After Previous Allen Iverson Tribute, DeVonta Smith’s Latest Ode to NBA Legend Pays Off in Super Bowl

In the third quarter of the Super Bowl, DeVonta Smith converted a 46-yard touchdown. In doing so, he etched his name in history books as became the first player drafted from Alabama to score a touchdown in the Super Bowl. He led the Eagles with 69 receiving yards and scored a touchdown in Sunday’s 40–22 win. But did you know Allen Iverson played a role multiple times to help the 26-year-old script the win?

“Devonta Smith is wearing custom “Lombardi” Reebok Answer 4-inspired cleats for Super Bowl LIX 🔥.” For the big game, the WR paid homage to the city legend AI as the Eagles became Super Bowl Champions for the second time in franchise history. Smitty also holds the record of being the only wide receiver to win a Heisman Trophy, a college national championship, and a Super Bowl in his career. That’s why even Allen Iverson was quick to share the post on his story for Smith.

The 76ers legend also appreciated the effort the Eagles star put in their previous game: “I see you, young KILLA!! Thanks for the love, @devontasmith.” Even in the NFC Playoff victory over the Los Angeles Rams, the 26-year-old laced up a custom pair of Reebok Answer IV cleats in a green and white “Eagles” colorway. A thing to note is Allen Iverson’s signature basketball shoes are not officially redesigned for the gridiron.

However, Smith took the extra effort to pay homage to the city icon and eventually won the Super Bowl. The custom cleats from the Rams game are also a direct nod to Bubba Chuck! Devonta Smith’s Reebok Answer 4-inspired cleats pay homage to Allen Iverson’s iconic tunnel outfit from the 2001 NBA Finals. Even though the 76ers lost that final, Smitty and the Eagles won their game and took their revenge for the loss in Super Bowl LVII.

Even the Eagles head coach paid homage to Allen Iverson

Nick Sirianni won his first Super Bowl title as a head coach. He took the job back in January 2021, and a few months later, Smith was part of the team via the NFL draft as the 10th overall pick. A few games into the rookie season, the head coach compared the young receiver to none other than Allen Iverson.

“Anytime I teach a wide receiver how to release off the line of scrimmage, I have an Allen Iverson clip ready to go. And because it’s very much like a crossover.” Sirianni compared Smith’s raw pace and quickness to the 76ers legend’s abilities. “Because DeVonta’s fast and because he’s quick—he has a quick, fast release, first step—they have to react to when he jabs…he puts his head that way to really get them going and then he crosses them over how Allen Iverson used to do it. That’s what makes him so effective.”

That quickness surely helped, as Smitty scored a 46-yard touchdown. There is no doubt that there will be a parade down Broad Street! It will be interesting to see if and when Allen Iverson joins them. Even more interesting would be what other tributes Smith has up his sleeve for AI.