Super Bowl LIX will go down in history as one of the Kansas City Chiefs’ worst defeats. Beyond that, the game left a legacy of stories and anecdotes that have been coming to light; among them, it was recently revealed that one of the game’s great protagonists had to play with a painful injury.
The Philadelphia Eagles defense mercilessly dominated the Chiefs’ offense, sacking quarterback Patrick Mahomes six times. The relentless harassment of Mahomes resulted in a fumble recovered by the defense, which ultimately gave the Eagles seven points that would set the course of the game.
A vital part of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s scheme was young linebacker Nolan Smith. The second-year player managed to hit Mahomes twice throughout the game on February 9, but the most incredible thing of all is that he did it with a torn triceps.
Smith’s injury
NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported today that Smith had to undergo surgery this past Wednesday to repair the injury he suffered against the Chiefs. “Eagles pass-rusher Nolan Smith tore his triceps in the Super Bowl LIX over the Chiefs – and played through it in the second half,” Rapoport explained.
The University of Georgia product had an extraordinary season with the Eagles, making 42 tackles, 21 solo, and 6.5 sacks in the regular season. In the playoffs, Smith made 12 tackles, five solo, and three sacks, which made him a key part of Philadelphia’s championship run.
The future is bright for Smith
Rapaport said the young linebacker will be ready to play the 2025 season with the Eagles. Furthermore, analysts predict Smith will have an increasingly important role in Fangio’s defense, given the impending retirement of star Brandon Graham and the possible departure of Josh Sweat in free agency.
Entering his third year as a professional, this will be the time for Smith to make a big splash and become the leader the Eagles defense will need if they want to achieve back-to-back championships.
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