DeVonta Smith’s mother says he has the ‘heart of a lion’

DeVonta Smith’s competitive fire is something his mother, Christina, noticed at a young age.

“We used to live by a park, and he was at the park every day, and he’s always played with the older guys. He never wanted to play with his age group, whether it was basketball or football. I guess just playing with them, and them being tough on him, not taking it light on him. I think that made him stronger in the love for the game,” said Christina Smith.

In the eighth grade, DeVonta’s football training would amplify and four years later the Amite Warrior would have the attention of the top college football programs in America.

“Ultimately, as a mother, I did want him to stay close to home. But I let him make the choice. He had to go where he felt more comfortable and where he could fit in. And he chose Alabama,” said Smith.

Committing to the Crimson Tide and head coach Nick Saban was a wise decision in the eyes of his mother.

“I’ve always liked Coach Saban when he was at LSU, but, just the big name Nick Saban. When he came to my home and to my place of employment it was exciting. I knew it was it was real. Coach’s a good coach. It’s not all about football with him. It’s making them young men into men. I like Coach Saban. He’s a good coach,” added Smith.

A good coach who helped a 6-foot, 170-pound talent from Tangipahoa Parish win two national championships, the Biletnikoff award, the Heisman Trophy, and become Philadelphia’s first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

“You know Devonte, he’s small in stature, but he is. He’s strong. He has the heart of a lion. He’s going to give 100% on whatever he does. So he’s small but he plays big,” said Smith.

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“I don’t think so. Because I’m on pins and needles. No, I don’t think so. It’s like I’m. I’m out there playing and I’m so nervous, but, you know, just to see him out there and doing what he loves to do is great,” responded Smith.

DeVonta Smith’s big play ability has allowed him and the Eagles to compete in their second championship game in the last three years.

Only this time, the former Amite star will have both his mother and a hometown crowd in attendance.

“It’s exciting just for him to have this chance again. He went his second year. Unfortunately, they didn’t come out on top. He has another chance, him and the Eagles, and I think this time they can pull it off. So it’s very exciting for me as his mother, our family, and just the community in general,” said Smith.

The last time the Chiefs and Eagles met in the NFL championship game, DeVonta Smith led Philadelphia with seven catches for 100 yards.