Key Highlights
- DeVonta Smith’s toughness comes from a childhood of self-inflicted hits into walls.
- The 6-foot-165-pound wide receiver has been consistently tough on the field since his college days.
- No other starting receivers in NFL history have been as light and yet as effective as Smith.
- Smith’s resilience and toughness have had a positive impact on his teammates’ performance.
The Making of a Tough Player: DeVonta Smith’s Childhood Routine
Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith, known for his relentless playstyle in the NFL, credits his toughness to an early childhood routine that involved running into walls. This unique training method started when he was just 7 or 8 years old and involved tackling himself head-on against a wall, simulating the impact of being tackled by opponents. “I used to run through the hallway and tackle myself,” Smith said with a smirk during an Eagles practice.
Self-Inflicted Hits into Walls
Smith’s training regimen began in his own home, where he would charge full speed at walls to prepare for big hits on the football field. “Just hit the wall and fall,” he explained. “That was me simulating somebody tackling me.” This practice, done without any parental supervision, involved running into a wall repeatedly until he regained his footing and did it again.
Toughness on the Field: Smith’s Unyielding Spirit
Smith’s commitment to toughness is not just a trait; it has been ingrained in him since a young age. “Can’t let no man see you weak,” he said, reflecting his unwavering resolve. Despite being only 6-foot-1 and weighing around 165 pounds, Smith remains one of the toughest players on the field.
“Defensive guys want to see you get up slow or just lay there,” teammate Zack Baun noted. “They feed off that.” But with every hit, Smith quickly gets back up, tosses the ball to the referee, and jogs back to the huddle ready for another play.
Impact on Teammates
The Eagles’ defense is invigorated by watching their star receiver defy pain. “As a defensive player, that’s the kind of guy I want on my team,” Reed Blankenship said. “It’s tough to go against him; you always gotta worry about No. 6.” Smith’s ability to stay upright and deliver hits after being tackled serves as an inspiration for his teammates.
NFL veteran Saquon Barkley, discussing the Eagles’ struggling run game, highlighted how a player like Smith pushes through pain and keeps going, despite getting clobbered. This relentless attitude has become a hallmark of Smith’s career at the NFL level.
Statistical Rarity: A Small but Tough Player
DeVonta Smith stands as an anomaly in the NFL with his size and performance. According to Stathead searches, only five wide receivers weighing 170 pounds or less have accumulated 5,000 career receiving yards. Among those is Drew Hill from the 1980s, Hall of Famer Cliff Branch from the 1970s, Anthony Carter from the 1980s, and Alfred Jenkins from the 1970s.
Smith’s unique combination of size and performance has made him a standout in the NFL. His current pace for the season suggests he could surpass 1,224 yards, making him one of the best wide receivers in league history despite his diminutive stature.
Injury Resilience
Smith’s toughness is evident even during games. In a recent game against the Vikings, he broke through three tackles to secure a first down and brought life back into the Eagles’ offense. “He consistently does that and keeps getting up,” head coach Nick Sirianni commented.
Despite facing some of the toughest hits in the NFL, Smith’s ability to recover quickly has been crucial for the team’s success. His performances have not only won games but also provided inspiration to his teammates and fans alike.
Conclusion
DeVonta Smith’s Unstoppable Force
The tale of how young DeVonta Smith used to run into walls as a child is more than just an anecdote; it represents the foundation of his NFL career. Smith’s toughness, despite his small stature, has not only made him one of the most durable players in the league but also an inspiration to teammates and coaches alike.
As the Eagles continue their season, fans can expect to see Smith’s unwavering spirit, as he remains a key component in the team’s offensive success. His story is a testament to the power of determination and self-discipline, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
