DeVonta Smith shares his foolproof plan to escape a plane crash on Hard Knocks

Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith is an intellectual individual; there’s really no debating it. While those of us who follow the team closely know this, HBO’s in-season Hard Knocks is shining a light on his beautiful mind. In the most recent episode, he shared his foolproof plan to escape a plane crash with his fellow receivers.

DeVonta Smith is prepped for an aerial disaster, and also has some cogent points on airline safety:

.@devontasmith has a plan if he ever needs to get off a plane 😂

Hard Knocks In Season with the NFC East available now on @HBOMax pic.twitter.com/Q3IZCO0tZh

— NFL (@NFL) December 10, 2025

When it comes to plane crashes and aerial safety, there are three names you need to know now.

1. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, Hero on the Hudson
2. William “Whip” Whitaker, portrayed by Denzel Washington in the hit film Flight
3. DeVonta “Smitty” Smith, aerial philosopher and safety expert

Sure, DeVonta Smith’s crash landing plan doesn’t involve landing on a body of water or inverting the aircraft, but from where I’m sitting, it makes perfect sense. Plus, he’s got the perfect nickname for a pilot, so he slots into my list perfectly.

But, regardless, he is right about the seatbelts. It’s not like we’re driving a car here; we’re 30k feet in the air, hurtling through the sky at 600+ mph. What the hell are they supposed to do?

Of course, I follow all instructions from the flight crew, because I consider myself a functioning member of society. Others at the website may call me a dirty little rule follower, but that’s just the kind of guy I am. I’m by the book.

Also, despite the fact that I travel pretty extensively, flying is a terrifying concept. I can’t help but be hyper-aware of the sheer absurdity of the entire exercise.

Thanks to DeVonta Smith, though, I can rest easy. I have a plan of action in case something goes awry.

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