THE PHILADELPHIA EAGLES made history when they won Super Bowl 59 earlier this month.
A stunning performance saw them decimate the Kansas City Chiefs in a 40-22 win to take revenge for losing the 2022 final.
It took some huge performances from across the Eagles' roster to make their Super Bowl dream a reality, including emerging edge rusher Nolan Smith.
If it was quarterback Jalen Hurts leading the Eagles offence, then it was Smith who was pivotal in the defence.
But it has now been revealed Smith, 24, had to battle through a huge injury to help the Eagles achieve victory.
NFL Network revealed how Smith tore his tricep in the second quarter of the game, but bravely continued to the end.
In the first half, Smith had been a major part of the Eagles' relentless defence, only allowing the Chiefs to get 23 total yards across the first 30 minutes.
Their four-man push defense was game-defining, with Smith himself landing two quarterback hits, with the defense overall sacking Patrick Mahomes for a record six times without blitzing once.
But the second-year linebacker went back to the locker room around 30 seconds earlier than the rest of his team-mates before half-time, and was left with only one arm in use for the rest of the game.
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport has since reported Smith had surgery last Wednesday to fix him up for the 2025 season.
But before that, he was seen popping bottles of champagne on Broad Street and chugging beer with the crowd during the celebrations.
Fans were stunned to learn about his injury, given that he played 30 of the Eagles' 56 defensive snaps in the game.
Reacting on social media, one fan said: "Definition of GRIT. Genuinely so impressive."
A second said: "What a warrior! Torn triceps and still balling out. Legend."
A third added: "Had Mahomes back peddling with one good arm wow."
Another said: "It’s incredible that Nolan Smith was able to keep going. BEAST."
A fifth said: "DAWG MENTALITY."
A sixth wrote: "He was the real MVP."
Another commented: "Nolan Smith tore his triceps in the Super Bowl then went on a historic drunk tear? Give that man the key to the city."
Smith was the 30th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
He ironically only got more playing time this year after a triceps injury to veteran Brandon Graham.
If Smith can throw out performances like he did in the Super Bowl with one arm, imagine what he could do with two next year.
