For several Eagles players, playing Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans is more than about playing the big game in a random city – it's a reunion.
Whether it's star wide receiver DeVonta Smith, who grew up just over an hour from the Superdome, or practice squad player Parry Nickerson, who is a co-owner of an art gallery in New Orleans, there are more than a few connections to where this Super Bowl is being played.
Six Eagles players spoke to PhiladelphiaEagles.com about returning to Louisiana for the Super Bowl. Here's what each of them had to say, along with their connection to returning to the state:
Linebacker Zack Baun
It's no secret that Baun, who's having a standout season in Year 1 with the Eagles, began his career with the New Orleans Saints.
Baun was drafted in the third round (No. 74 overall) of the 2020 draft and spent the first four years of his NFL career with the organization, playing in the Superdome each and every home game.
"It's definitely special being back here in New Orleans. Playing and being here for four years, very comfortable," Baun said during a Super Bowl LIX Week media session. "It's awfully poetic. After the season, when I really look back and look at it and think about it, just my journey in general is poetic, I think. It's cool to be back here."
Baun played in 62 games (14 starts), logged 65 tackles (43 solo), eight QB hits, six TFLs, two PDs, and one interception along with 17 special teams tackles with the Saints.
This year, he was named a first-team All-Pro and is a Defensive Player of the Year finalist after recording 150 tackles (92 solo), five FFs, four PDs, 3.5 sacks, and an interception.
Wide Receiver DeVonta Smith
Smith grew up in Amite, Louisiana, which is a little more than an hour from the Superdome. His hometown is made up of around 4,000 people.
The two-time National Champion at Alabama played at the Superdome twice in high school, both in the State Championship. Although, he was injured with a broken collarbone in the first game and lost by four points in the second.
Now, he has returned to New Orleans with a chance of capturing his first career Super Bowl.
"It means a lot. Not just because it's back at home, but just because this was the end goal – to get to the Super Bowl. Just going out there, making sure we finish the right way," Smith said. "It feels great. Being from a small hometown community, everybody supports each other. Just having that love from those people who have been supporting me from little league, to middle school, to high school, it means a lot to me."
Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Similar to Baun, Gardner-Johnson began his NFL career in New Orleans.
The former Florida Gator was selected in the fourth round of the 2019 draft by the Saints and spent the first three years of his career there. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2019 after picking up 46 tackles, six TFLs, and an interception as a rookie.
"I think to me; it's just a blessing. It's just a full-circle moment. It just shows guys around the world – anybody can do it. I mean, coming from where I'm from, anybody can overcome a lot of things," Garnder-Johnson said.
"I think getting drafted by New Orleans, I didn't think I was going to be able to stay on the team. Getting drafted, you know, going fourth round, it was a trial. And going back to the spot I got drafted to play in the Super Bowl is amazing. I want to thank Mickey Loomis (Saints General Manager) for starting my career, and thanking Howie (Roseman) and Jeffrey (Lurie) for continuing my career. I just want to just thank everybody that's a part of this process, because it's going to be a happy moment for me."
Cornerback Parry Nickerson
Practice squad player Parry Nickerson may have the closest connection to the city out of any Eagles player.
He is, after all, from New Orleans, and played his college ball at Tulane University, which is about 15 minutes from the Superdome.
Nickerson actually played in a few games for Tulane at the Superdome in 2013 before redshirting, as the University played home games there while their stadium was being rebuilt.
"It's definitely going to be a reunion. It's going to be like a home reunion for me, seeing a lot of family and stuff like that, but also, understanding that this is a business trip," Nickerson said. "It's going to be a great feeling hitting that field, especially in your hometown."
Nickerson also has an interesting connection to his hometown, as he was the co-owner of the E. Robert Art Gallery in New Orleans.
"I was working with this guy, he was a good friend of mine named Ernest Robert. He actually created some paintings for myself, but me and him had a nice partnership going on. We had a gallery on Magazine Street, but that closed up," Nickerson said.
"He actually was my barber. But every time I used to go in the barber shop, I used to see all these paintings. And he just was creative with just making his barber shop into an art studio. And, just over the years, I just gravitated to how special his artwork was. I decided, I got to be a part of this, because I know if the right eyes get on these art pieces, that this can be a very impactful moment for not just him, but for the community."
Running back Tyrion Davis-Price
The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native is on the Eagles' practice squad in his first year with the Eagles. This will be his second straight Super Bowl, as he was a member of the 49ers team that reached the big game last year.
Davis-Price played his college football at LSU, where he rushed for 1,744 yards and added 15 touchdowns while playing not too far from the site of Super Bowl LIX.
"To be able to go back and go see some of family, eat some of the good food, it's a blessing. Coming back with the W is the main thing. So it's like, without that, I feel like it's going to be a waste of a trip to me. I can always go back home. But it's going to be fun," Davis-Price said.
It will not be the first time he's played for a championship in the Superdome. Davis-Price was a member of the 2019 LSU team that won a National Championship 42-25 over Clemson in that stadium.
But that's not all.
"So, I actually have a record in the Superdome from my sophomore year of high school. I had 244 yards on eight carries," Davis-Price said. "I won the state championship there in high school my freshman year. So, it's just like, I've been there a few times in the championship."
Safety Andre' Sam
Sam grew up a little more than three hours from New Orleans in Iowa, Louisiana, and finished his college career at LSU.
Not only is he playing in his home state, but Super Bowl Sunday is the rookie on the practice squad's 26th birthday.
"It feels very, very good. Very surreal. I'm very excited, looking forward to seeing family and friends and going to get that dub," Sam said.
"Growing up in high school, that's usually where the state championship is, but I never played there. So, now being able to go back and actually be involved in the game and being on the sidelines, I'm really looking forward to it." – Written by Liam Wichser
