The National Football League, in recent years, has been deploying several means in spreading the sport globally. Alongside the International Pathway Program, the fixture of football games outside America has also helped in noising the sport abroad. While on an ambassadorial mission in Spain, Eagles wide receiver Devonta Smith, did not only promote the NFL. Acting as a Philadelphia ambassador, he professed his love and commitment to the City of Brotherly Love.
It has been four years since the wide receiver joined the Philadelphia Eagles as a first-round draft pick, and he hasn’t just helped the Eagles win their second Super Bowl win in franchise history, but has also helped the team to the playoffs in every year he’s played with them.
Even after a Super Bowl Victory, he feels his best days in Philadelphia are still to come, as he committed his future to the Eagles, showing how much love he has for the team, the city and the Eagles 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.”
His ambassadorial work had first taken him to Barcelona, where he watched his first soccer match: the recent El Classico game between Barcelona and Real Madrid, and had an idea of how he can help the NFLa soccer-dominated city.
“It’s just a different culture over here, so a lot of people may not exactly know what’s going on,” Smith said. “Just getting over here to showcase the talent so they can know more about the sport.”
Devonta Smith’s trip to Spain was also aimed at spreading the gospel of the National Football League round the world, as they are set to host the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Madrid, featuring the Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders. This latest feat comes after previous international series in London, Frankfurt, and Sao Paulo.
Smith and the Eagles had experienced a similar season opener outside America when they faced the Green Bay Packers in Brazil during the 2024 season opener. Now, the focus is on Madrid, with players, like Devonta Smith, leading the way, as the National Football League stays true to its commitment of making waves on the international stage and reaching a global audience.
Having had first-hand experience of the sport culture in the city of Madrid—which is home to top European soccer teams, like Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid—Smith is appreciative of their sports culture and is fully convinced that the city is ready for an NFL game.
“They’re ready,” Smith said about Spain. “It’s a passionate sports culture, and that’s what makes football special.”
With the National Football League now able to schedule up to eight games outside America each season, there’s every possibility Devonta Smith gets such an opportunity again. But if at all he doesn’t, like he’s professed, the City of Brotherly Love is more than enough for him.
Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
