Following the NFL Draft, Kirby Smart of Georgia Communicates with a Former Bulldogs Star
After the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft, Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart once again proved that his dedication to his players transcends their time on campus. In a display of mentorship and leadership that has become synonymous with his tenure at Georgia, Smart reached out to a former star player who had just been selected in the draft. This moment not only reflects Smart’s personal commitment to his athletes but also the deeper, familial atmosphere that has been cultivated within the Bulldogs’ program under his guidance.
At first glance, reaching out to a former player may seem like a simple gesture, perhaps even a formality, especially given the number of talented athletes Smart has worked with over the years. However, for Smart, these moments are far more meaningful. It’s about keeping the lines of communication open with his players and ensuring they feel supported as they transition from college to the NFL.
Smart has often emphasized the importance of relationships, both within his team and with former players. His ability to nurture these connections is a key factor in Georgia’s continued success, both on the recruiting trail and in player development. It speaks to the kind of leader Smart is—one who recognizes that success is not just measured by championships or draft picks, but by the lasting impact he has on his players’ lives.
A Relationship Built on Trust
The relationship between Smart and his players is founded on trust, and it’s this trust that leads to players not only excelling on the field but also growing as individuals. Many of the athletes who leave Georgia for the NFL speak highly of Smart, citing his honesty, work ethic, and genuine care for their personal well-being as core elements of their experience in Athens. For Smart, these qualities are non-negotiable. His approach is often described as a “tough love” philosophy, one where athletes are pushed to their limits, but always with the knowledge that Smart has their best interests at heart.
This mindset is particularly evident in how he handles the post-college transition. As talented athletes head into the professional ranks, they face a host of new challenges, both on and off the field. From adjusting to the speed and intensity of the NFL to managing newfound fame and financial responsibility, the transition can be overwhelming. This is where Smart’s influence continues to play a role. The relationships he fosters while players are in college are designed not only to prepare them for football but also for the complexities of life beyond the sport.
Once a player leaves Georgia, the relationship with Smart doesn’t end. Many college coaches keep in touch with their former players to see how they’re adjusting to life after college, but Smart takes this to another level. He actively seeks out opportunities to mentor his players, offering advice on everything from navigating the business side of professional football to managing personal challenges.
This effort to stay engaged is particularly significant in the era of the “one-and-done” mentality in college sports, where players often leave for the professional ranks after just a few years. Despite the short duration of their college careers, Smart understands that the players who come through Georgia have the potential to make an impact far beyond their time in Athens. The professional and personal bonds he forms with his players allow him to be a resource for them as they move into the next chapter of their careers.
When Smart reached out to the former Bulldogs star after the 2025 NFL Draft, it wasn’t just to congratulate them on making it to the pros—it was also to offer encouragement and guidance. Smart’s message likely included words of advice on how to navigate the pressures of the NFL, along with a reminder that, no matter where their careers take them, they would always have a place in Georgia’s football community.
Smart’s connection to his former players is also a testament to the remarkable success that Georgia has seen in recent NFL Drafts. Under Smart’s leadership, Georgia has become a powerhouse in player development, consistently producing top-tier NFL talent. The Bulldogs’ recent draft classes have featured a number of high-profile names, many of whom have gone on to make an immediate impact in the NFL. This is a direct result of Smart’s emphasis on preparing players for success at the next level, both physically and mentally.
A large part of Smart’s success in developing NFL-caliber talent stems from his understanding of what it takes to succeed in the professional ranks. Having been part of championship-winning teams as a player and assistant coach, Smart knows what separates elite athletes from the rest. His time at Alabama under Nick Saban, where he was a key architect of one of the most successful college football dynasties of all time, gave him a wealth of experience in coaching top-tier athletes. This experience has been invaluable in his ability to mold Georgia players into NFL-ready stars.
Furthermore, Smart’s reputation as a defensive mastermind has led to numerous players from his defensive units being selected high in the NFL Draft. Players like Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, and Kelee Ringo have all been among the top selections in recent drafts, with many others joining them in the league. But it’s not just on the defensive side of the ball where Smart excels. His ability to develop talent on offense has been equally impressive, as evidenced by the success of players like Stetson Bennett, Brock Bowers, and Darnell Washington.
The consistent flow of talent from Georgia to the NFL has helped elevate the program’s stature, but it has also given Smart a unique opportunity to continue his mentorship long after his players leave college. With each new draft, Georgia’s football legacy continues to grow, and the relationships Smart maintains with his former players only further strengthen that bond.
Smart’s ongoing communication with former players also has a significant impact on recruiting. High school athletes who are considering Georgia as their college destination are keenly aware of the program’s track record of producing NFL talent. But beyond the statistics and accolades, prospective recruits also understand the value of being a part of a program that genuinely cares for its athletes, both during and after their time in college.
When recruits hear about Smart’s commitment to his players, they see more than just a coach; they see a mentor, a guide, and a source of support that extends beyond the football field. This kind of environment is appealing to athletes who are looking for more than just a path to the NFL—they want to know that they’ll be cared for, challenged, and equipped for life after football. Kirby Smart’s ability to maintain meaningful relationships with his former players plays a critical role in helping Georgia attract top talent year after year.
In many ways, Smart has created a program that prioritizes the holistic development of its players, and his ongoing engagement with former Bulldogs in the NFL reinforces this philosophy. The players who leave Georgia don’t just become alumni—they become lifelong members of a community that continues to provide value long after their college careers end.
Smart’s mentorship of his players goes beyond the physical and tactical aspects of football. He understands that professional athletes face challenges that extend far beyond the game itself. The demands of an NFL career are immense, and players must be prepared to handle the stress, expectations, and scrutiny that come with being a high-profile professional athlete.
Many former Bulldogs have spoken publicly about the impact that Smart’s leadership had on them, not just in terms of football but also in terms of life skills. From helping them manage their finances to providing counsel on dealing with the pressures of fame, Smart’s influence is felt in all aspects of his players’ lives. This mentorship has proven invaluable, as many of his former players speak fondly of the advice and guidance they received during their time in Athens.
This emphasis on mentorship is something that Smart has actively cultivated throughout his coaching career. He’s a firm believer that football can serve as a platform for personal development, and he strives to instill values like discipline, work ethic, and resilience in his players. These qualities don’t just make for great football players—they make for well-rounded individuals who are capable of succeeding in life after the game.
As the years go on and more Bulldogs stars make their way to the NFL, Kirby Smart’s legacy as both a coach and a mentor continues to grow. His approach to developing young men into successful football players and leaders off the field has become a model for other programs around the country. The way Smart communicates with his former players, offering support, guidance, and mentorship, sets him apart as a leader who understands the true value of relationships and the long-term impact a coach can have on an athlete’s life.
This relationship between Smart and his former players doesn’t just end with the NFL Draft—it extends far beyond that, as many players continue to seek out Smart for advice and guidance throughout their careers. Whether they’re dealing with injuries, transitioning to new teams, or facing personal challenges, Smart’s players know they can count on him to be there for them.
In a time when the demands of college football continue to grow and the pressure on players increases, Smart’s ability to maintain these deep, lasting relationships with his athletes serves as a reminder that coaching is about more than just winning games—it’s about helping young men grow into the best versions of themselves, both on and off the field. Kirby Smart’s impact will be felt by his players for years to come, as they carry forward the lessons they’ve learned under his guidance into their professional careers and beyond.
In conclusion, the connection between Kirby Smart and his former players is a powerful example of the kind of leadership that goes beyond the X’s and O’s of football. Through his mentorship, Smart ensures that his players are not only prepared for the NFL but are also equipped to thrive in life after football. This commitment to personal and professional development is one of the key reasons Georgia has become a dominant force in college football under Smart’s leadership, and it’s a legacy that will continue to influence both the Bulldogs program and the NFL for years to come.
