Eagles star receiver DeVonta Smith was joined by Eagles teammates, including Jalen Hurts, Dallas Goedert, and Jordan Mailata, at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, Pennsylvania, for the 5th Annual DeVonta Smith Charity Softball Game on May 2. Several other high-profile NFL stars, like New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez and New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young, were on hand to witness the power of Eagles fandom in a non-traditional sports setting as they traded plays calls for “play balls”.
“I think when you're trying to help out in the community and things like that, it’s only gonna grow every year,” Smith said during an early-afternoon press conference. “I’m excited about it. It’s a blessing to give back to the community and host this event. I’m always looking forward to it.”
Of course, winning always helps, as Smith’s squad (Red Team) remains undefeated at the event following the 13-3 rout of the Blue Team. Goedert won the game’s Most Valuable Player trophy for a pair of home runs as the 31-year-old tight end displayed multi-sport talent as the best hitter on the afternoon. Hurts pitched for the red team, including a very valuable L-Screen net to help protect the Eagles QB1 from yellow balls flying off metal softball bats. From the Philly Sports Guy running the bases to Jordan Spector unveiling brand-new artwork, it was a special day at Coca-Cola Park for Smith and his buddies from around the NFL.
“He’s a great guy,” Gonzalez said during a brief press conference alongside Minnesota Vikings cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin. “I’m glad he invited me out here. The past couple of years, I’ve seen it on Instagram, and it looks like a real cool event. I’m excited to be here.”
Earlier in the day, Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt won the Home Run Derby with nine moonshots over the temporary orange barrier in the middle of the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs’ vast outfield. The 25-year-old linebacker celebrated his win with a full trip around the bases and finished with a EuroStep layup celebration, which has become something of a tradition at the event.
The Eagles' offseason rolls forward with OTAs (organized team activities) up next in late May and Early June. Despite being on the roster at this time, A.J. Brown is not expected to attend these team events. When asked about the much-discussed Eagles wideout this offseason, Smith preferred to keep the focus on what he can control about the situation. “I got a job to do, and I plan on going out there and doing it.” It certainly seems like Smith is ready to take the reins as the Birds’ top wideout option if Brown is dealt out of town before the start of the 2026 NFL season, like the rumors heavily suggest.
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