DeVonta Smith signed his contract extensions with the Eagles, maintaining the WR in Philly for the subsequent 4 years, and spoke to reporters about what it means to earn that second contract — particularly when it means persevering with to play alongside A.J. Brown.
Smith mentioned that this contract extension wasn’t one thing on his thoughts in the course of the season, and knew issues would deal with themselves. However, it does imply a complete to get this accomplished.
“It means lots. It’s been an extended journey — the journey just isn’t over, it’s simply beginning. So, it means lots to me. It means lots to my household. You realize, all of the lengthy nights, early mornings that I’ve been placing within the work to get to the place I’m and to get thus far, feels good to see that it’s paying off.”
He’ll be turning 30 when this contract expires, and Smith mentioned he simply hopes to reside as much as it. The WR didn’t really feel any additional expectations, however is aware of that Jeffrey Lurie, Howie Roseman, and head coach Nick Sirianni gave him this chance for a motive.
“I perceive expectations are excessive on this metropolis. The followers, they count on plenty of you, and once you’re not enjoying as much as it, they let you realize, and me, being the particular person I’m, no one’s tougher on me than myself. So, nothing that followers say, or issues like that, can truly get to me. And, I imply, I embrace it.
I embrace it as a result of it simply exhibits that the followers find it irresistible. They reside and breathe Philly. Not solely us: basketball, baseball, all the things. I imply, they find it irresistible, and also you need to be in a metropolis like that, and I at all times say, I don’t assume there’s a greater sports activities metropolis than Philadelphia.”
Smith mentioned that probably the most vital issues now’s that he stays true to himself, and that he continues being a scholar of the sport, and being mentally ready each sport.
He was requested about what it means to be right here long-term alongside A.J. Brown, and he famous that it means lots, particularly because the two have grown very shut.
“It means lots to have the ability to go on the market realizing that guys who’ve comparable tales, guys who’ve the identical ardour, the dedication that we’ve got to this sport — it means lots to only exit right here and be capable of proceed to do it alongside [A.J. Brown], and everybody else that’s on this constructing.”
Smith defined that the pair understanding one another and the place they arrive from, what motivates them, and what they sacrifice to play this sport at a excessive stage, is what makes them a particular tandem.
He later mentioned that their relationship permits them to not be upset when the opposite has an even bigger sport, however relatively have a good time with one another. Smith additionally identified that all of them need the ball each play, nevertheless it’s vital to have guys like that as a result of these are the gamers prepared in large moments, and people are those who step as much as the plate.
“You’ve gotten two guys who need to be the alpha, and I really feel like that’s a very good factor. And you’ve got two guys which might be comfortable for one another.
I imply, me and A.J. [Brown] discuss on a regular basis. We name one another every single day. We be sure that we discuss on the cellphone on a regular basis — whether or not it’s soccer, life.”
Smith mentioned it’s vital that the Eagles have 9 offensive gamers signed for a minimum of the subsequent two years, noting a staff is all in regards to the relationships with one another. So, having a bunch of men who’re acquainted and comfy with one another, lets them push one another even additional and tougher.
The WR additionally reminisced about being drafted by the Eagles, and admitted he thinks about that day on a regular basis.
“Simply, the sensation I had listening to my identify referred to as, realizing that I used to be coming to Philly, realizing that I used to be coming to play with Jalen [Hurts] — anyone that I had grown near in faculty. Simply that feeling of weight being off my shoulders. Coming to a spot the place I had anyone that I can relate to, anyone that I used to be comfy with.”
