DeVonta Smith has quietly become one of the NFL’s most dependable wide receivers, helping power the Philadelphia Eagles to consistent success since joining the team as a first-round draft pick in 2021.
But amid the growing spotlight, the former Heisman Trophy winner remains grounded, loyal, and ready to help the league grow beyond U.S. borders.
During a recent visit to Madrid, Smith opened up about his deep commitment to the Eagles, expressing not just pride in the team, but a genuine connection with the city and its fans.
“I wouldn’t play for any team other than the Philadelphia Eagles,” Smith told MARCA while in Spain. “It’s amazing the support they [Spanish fans] give to their teams… they are very committed to everything they do.”
Smith’s comments reinforce a sentiment that resonates strongly with the Eagles‘ fanbase-a group known for its unmatched passion and grit. In a league where trades and free agency often dominate headlines, his unwavering loyalty is rare and refreshing.
Smith praises Spain’s potential as an NFL host nation
Smith‘s trip to Spain coincided with the growing excitement surrounding the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Madrid, scheduled for the 2025 season. The game, which will feature the Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders, represents the latest step in the NFL’s expanding International Series.
From London and Frankfurt to Sao Paulo and now Madrid, the league is pushing to grow its global audience-and players like Smith are helping lead the way.
“They’re ready,” Smith said about Spain. “It’s a passionate sports culture, and that’s what makes football special.”
Smith experienced the international spotlight firsthand when the Eagles faced the Green Bay Packers in Brazil during the 2024 season opener. That landmark game drew a massive response from fans in South America, and now the focus shifts to Europe as Madrid prepares for its NFL debut.
Spain’s fervor for sports, especially football (soccer), aligns well with the NFL’s goal of cultivating a broader, more diverse fanbase. Smith‘s presence in Madrid wasn’t just a marketing moment-it was a genuine cultural exchange between a star athlete and a sports-hungry nation.
The Eagles themselves have become a major brand on the international stage, helped in part by their deep playoff runs and players like Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and Smith drawing admiration both on and off the field.
While Smith remains focused on bringing more success to Philadelphia, he clearly sees the value in football’s global expansion. His praise for Spanish fans and his willingness to connect with them could make him a key ambassador for the league’s efforts abroad.
And while he may have been thousands of miles from Lincoln Financial Field, Smith‘s message was unmistakably Philly: loyal, proud, and all business.
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