NEW YORK – DeVonta Smith knows that his third year in the NFL will present new challenges. For one thing, the Philadelphia Eagles have a goal on their back after winning the NFC last season, even though they couldn’t win it all.
However, while Smith’s mindset remains focused on football this season, he’ll also need to turn his attention to something off the field: fatherhood.
“Hopefully we can move quickly,” Smith told Fox News Digital, grinning as he thought of the little girl he and his girlfriend, Mya, are expecting. “I’m excited about it. I’m really looking forward to being a father.”
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Philadelphia Eagles number 6 DeVonta Smith warms up against the Kansas City Chiefs after Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chiefs defeated the Eagles 38-35. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
The couple made their pregnancy announcement last month.
“Our unborn were made with so much love,” they wrote. On Instagram. “We are so grateful that God has blessed us to be your parents. They have so much love for you that it is already indescribable. We know the journey will not be easy, but it will be an amazing story to tell. Mommy and Daddy can’t wait to see you See you soon, girl.”
An outpouring of love flooded the comments, including some of Smith’s Eagles teammates.
“Unc can’t wait to meet you and yes I’m becoming Uncle,” Smith’s partner in crime at wide receiver AJ Brown wrote.
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Cornerback Darius Slay added: “Congratulations… I’m trying to be god daddy!”
While Smith’s teammates may be kidding, they’re also helping him prepare for what it takes to be a pro soccer dad. There is no longer a fully focused mind on the grid, and Smith said he is already learning what to do once he removes his helmet and pads, regardless of Sunday’s result.
DeVonta Smith attends Game 3 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers on May 5, 2023 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. (David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
“I think it was Slay and BG [Brandon Graham] telling me that no matter what happens at work or whatever happens on Sunday in the field, when you get home, your kids don’t care about any of it,” he explained. “They don’t care if you won or not. lost, or if you had a good game or a bad game. You get home and it just goes out the window.
“That made me feel like, ‘OK, I’m really about to have a family.’ Now you have to leave work at work and come home. You can’t let the frustration out.”
Every NFL player with children will agree with Smith’s guidance on fatherhood, since he wants to be “available” to his family, which means flipping off that game mode switch to be the father he wants to be.
However, that doesn’t mean Smith is taking his foot off the gas when he gets between those lines. After adding 1,196 yards on 95 receptions with seven touchdowns last season – all better numbers than his rookie year in 2021 – the “Slim Reaper” wants to continue his upward trajectory that has already put him in the conversation of one of the best wide receivers in the game today.
From left to right, DeVonta Smith, #6, Jalen Hurts, #1, and AJ Brown, #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles, smile on the field after the Philadelphia Eagles beat the San Francisco 49ers at the NFL Championship NFL football game in Lincoln. Financial Field on January 29, 2023 in Philadelphia. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
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He saw Brown and his quarterback, Jalen Hurts, cash in after their third year in the league, and he thinks more production could result in a contract of his own with general manager Howie Roseman.
Of course, every player wants that big payday, which proves his value in the league, but a new contract for Smith means providing more for his family.
Although a name hasn’t been chosen yet, and the girl’s room may not be ready, Smith already has that extra motivation that comes with fatherhood. There is more to play for now.
DeVonta Smith, number 6 of the Philadelphia Eagles, runs through the tunnel before the NFL Championship football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field on January 29, 2023 in Philadelphia. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
“I’m playing for the love of the game to take care of my family,” he said. “Just go out there and be me.”
Smith spoke with Fox News Digital on behalf of VRST. His goal is to bring a different style to the stadium week after week, but when he’s not on the field, he tries to stay comfortable while working out.
“Being able to have things to work out, be home to rest, and dress down if I want to go out to dinner or something,” Smith said. “Just being able to change it.
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“The Icon jersey, the material on it is very soft. Breathable, something that’s not too hot when you start to sweat. It’s very good for you. The All In Shorts, the Limitless jogger, and then this new piece coming out, the Pinnacle Fleece. It’s going to be very good.”
