History of DeVonta Smith in Timeline

DeVonta Smith is an American football wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at Alabama, where he had a standout senior year in 2020, amassing over 1,800 receiving yards and scoring 23 touchdowns. His exceptional performance in college led to his professional career in the NFL.

1991: Desmond Howard Wins Heisman

In 1991, Desmond Howard became the last wide receiver before DeVonta Smith to win the Heisman Trophy.

1991: Last Wide Receiver Heisman Winner Before Smith

In 1991, Desmond Howard was the last wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy before DeVonta Smith achieved the same feat in 2020.

November 14, 1998: Birth of DeVonta Smith

DeVonta Smith was born on November 14, 1998.

1998: Inception of AP Player of the Year Award

The AP Player of the Year award, which DeVonta Smith later won, was first established in 1998.

2017: Freshman Season at Alabama

Smith began his college football career at Alabama in 2017, catching eight passes for 160 yards and three touchdowns.

2018: Sophomore Season at Alabama

During his sophomore season in 2018, Smith recorded 42 receptions for 693 yards and six touchdowns in 13 games. He also had a strong performance in the Orange Bowl, contributing to Alabama's victory over Oklahoma.

2018: National Championship Victory

In the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship game against Georgia, Smith caught the game-winning 41-yard touchdown pass in overtime.

2020: Heisman Trophy Winner

DeVonta Smith won the 2020 Heisman Trophy, becoming the first wide receiver to win the award since Desmond Howard in 1991.

2020: Smith Returns for Senior Year

Despite his teammates Henry Ruggs and Jerry Jeudy entering the 2020 NFL draft, Smith opted to return to Alabama for his senior year.

2020: Stellar Senior Season at Alabama

In 2020, DeVonta Smith had a remarkable senior season at Alabama, recording over 1,800 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns.

June 3, 2021: Signs Rookie Contract

On June 3, 2021, Smith officially signed his four-year, $20.1 million rookie contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.

2021: Drafted into the NFL

DeVonta Smith was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles with the tenth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

2021: Senior Bowl and Awards

In 2021, Smith accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl but did not participate. He received several awards and honors, including being named a Consensus All-American, and winning the Biletnikoff, Maxwell, SEC Offensive Player of the Year, and Walter Camp Player of the Year awards.

2022: Strong Second Season with the Eagles

During the 2022 season, DeVonta Smith excelled with five 100-yard games, finishing the season with 95 receptions, 1,196 yards, and seven touchdowns. He also contributed in the playoffs, including a touchdown against the Giants and a crucial catch against the 49ers.