While recent unfortunate details have come to light about the automobile accident that saw two members of the Georgia football program tragically lose their life, sometimes it can be forgotten that the human element of the incident still exists. In speaking with reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine, former Bulldogs outside linebacker Nolan Smith got vulnerable, as he discussed the tragic losses of life that were suffered on Jan. 15.
Smith broke down in tears, as he addressed the loss of teammate Devin Willock for the first time publicly.
“This is the first time I’m talking about it,” Smith said. “That’s my guy. That’s one person that never did anything wrong. I get sensitive talking about it just because I love him and he never did anything wrong in his three years. He was supposed to graduate. Most people don’t know his brother passed like that. And I’m just sorry to his mama. No one should live like that. No one should deserve to die like that. He never did **** wrong. I’m sorry for my language, he never did anything wrong. Three years in a row that man showed up, worked day in and day out, he’s a two-time natty champ, you know? It’s written in stone. That’s all I’m going to say. . . . Devin, I love you, baby.”
Must listen….
UGA’s Nolan Smith… understandably emotional… when talking about the passing of Devin Willock for the first time pic.twitter.com/D0kh8a2xpZ
— Zach Klein (@ZachKleinWSB) March 1, 2023
Smith apologized for getting emotional, as he’s usually the “juice guy,” but he made sure to acknowledge that this was his first time talking about it on a public platform. Smith also mentioned that the Cincinnati Bengals brought it to light during a recent interview with team officials, where he also got emotional.
“Most people think it’s just a game, man, “Smith continued. “Those are my brothers that I go out there with. We eat together. We be in the locker room together. We shower together. We get in the hot tub together. It’s more than a game. Most people think it’s just a game, but especially at Georgia, that connection piece [is] real.”
