Eagles’ Nolan Smith played through torn triceps to win Super Bowl LIX

Eagles pass-rusher Nolan Smith suffered a torn triceps during the biggest game of his life — and still powered through the pain, playing the rest of Super Bowl LIX with essentially one arm.

The injury, first reported by NFL Network on Friday evening, didn’t stop the 24-year-old from chasing down his dream. Smith’s determination helped fuel the Eagles’ commanding 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, sealing his first Super Bowl title in unforgettable fashion.

Eagles’ Smith sacrificed health for championship moment

#Eagles pass-rusher Nolan Smith tore his triceps in the Super Bowl LIX win over the #Chiefs — and played through it in the second half, per me and @MikeGarafolo.

Smith, who performed in the second half on one arm, had surgery on Wednesday and will be ready for the 2025 season. pic.twitter.com/Atmq0pcXkV

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 21, 2025

Following the win, the second-year linebacker underwent surgery on Wednesday. Fortunately for Eagles fans, he’s expected to be fully recovered in time for the 2025 season.

According to 94WIP, Smith quietly slipped into the Eagles’ locker room about 30 seconds before the rest of the team at halftime. At the time, it seemed unusual. In hindsight, it was the move of a warrior tending to battle wounds.

Nolan Smith had walked to the locker room in apparent pain about 30 seconds before the rest of the team at the end of the first half.

Crazy that it was a torn tricep and he played through it the rest of the game. https://t.co/sBRZdCO9eD

— Devan Kaney (@Devan_Kaney) February 21, 2025

BetMGM Sportsbook: Bet $5, Get $150 Instantly

• Sign up for a new BetMGM Sportsbook Account
• Make Your First Deposit
• Bet $5+ On Any Sport
• Receive $150 In Bonus Bets Instantly

Claim your free $150 now >>

Even with a torn triceps limiting his ability, Smith remained a factor on the field. He played 30 of the Eagles’ 56 defensive snaps, notching two quarterback hits. While the stat sheet didn’t show any tackles, his presence helped keep Kansas City’s offense in check, especially in a first half where the Chiefs managed just 23 total yards.

That suffocating defensive effort crushed any hopes Kansas City had for an unprecedented Super Bowl three-peat, as the Eagles dominated in every phase of the game.

Philadelphia’s front four was especially ruthless, recording six sacks on Patrick Mahomes — without blitzing once. That mark stands as the most sacks Mahomes has ever taken in a single game, regular season or playoffs.

Smith’s path to Super Bowl stardom wasn’t straightforward. Drafted 30th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, he initially saw limited action behind established veterans. But when longtime Eagle Brandon Graham suffered his own triceps injury, Smith’s role expanded — and he wasted no time proving his worth.

From the moment Graham was sidelined to Super Bowl Sunday, Smith racked up seven sacks, emerging as a key playmaker during the Eagles’ championship push.

One of his standout performances came in the NFC Championship Game, when he logged a career-high 63 snaps in Philadelphia’s dominant 55-23 win over the Commanders.

Now, with surgery behind him and a Super Bowl ring in hand, Smith is set to return in 2025, healthier and hungrier than ever. If his performance on one arm was impressive, just imagine what he’ll accomplish at full strength.