Nolan Smith Reveals the Significance Behind his new Number

Joining a handful of former teammates on the Eagles is special for Nolan Smith, but his new jersey number might be just as special.

Nolan Smith's love for the game of football and the University of Georgia was on full display during his four years with the team. As one of the most vocal leaders of the Kirby Smart era, the Savannah, Ga native helped create some incredible memories for Dawgnation. 

Kirby Smart and Nolan Smith after the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship against Alabama

But this season, things will look a little different for Smith as he has a new team, and now a new number. Instead of the number four, Smith will be wearing the number three for the Eagles come the 2023 season. And whether or not the decision came by choice, the number shares a great amount of significance with his mother.

In a Twitter post, Chakeima Bigham (Smith's mother) noted that Smith's new number was in fact the one that she wore many years ago in high school when she played basketball in Savannah, Ga. 

Smith, who also played high school sports in Savannah, responded to his mother's post, "God works in mysterious ways". Smith's career is also a testament to this statement. After having one of the best starts to a season of his career, the senior linebacker tore his pectoral muscle in a game against Florida and would be sidelined for the remainder of the season. 

Despite coming off an injury, Smith's performance in the NFL Combine was so impressive, that it earned him a spot in the first round. Reuniting him with a handful of his former teammates including Detroit running back D'Andre Swift. 

Other Georgia News:

• Philadelphia Trades for D'Andre Swift, Adds Another Former Georgia Player
• Sammy Brown Talks Georgia, Sets Timeline for Commitment
• A Noticeable Trend With Georgia Bulldogs in the NFL Draft

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