A former Penn State offensive lineman is going to the Super Bowl.
Donovon Smith’s first season with the Kansas City Chiefs has been a successful one, and now, the veteran tackle is making his second trip to the big game.
Kansas City beat the Ravens, 17-7, in Baltimore Sunday afternoon to make it to its fourth Super Bowl in the past five seasons.
For most of KC’s dominant stretch, Smith was with the Buccaneers, who selected him in the second round (34th overall) of the 2015 draft. Smith was part of the 2020 Bucs team that won the Super Bowl, ironically beating the Chiefs. Now, Smith’s going back.
Smith was been the Buccaneers’ starting left tackle from 2015-22, starting all 124 games he played in.
Smith is still a stabilizing force on the left side. Through the first round of the playoffs, Smith was tied for 11th with nine penalties but had only allowed two sacks in 749 snaps. PFF gave him a 55.4 overall rating in his first season as a Chief following eight years, plus a Super Bowl ring, in Tampa Bay.
Smith started 31 games at Penn State during his career from 2011-14. At the start of his career, Joe Paterno was still the head coach. Smith then played for Bill O’Brien (2012-13) and James Franklin (2014). So Smith has played for every Penn State coach since 1966.
Three former Penn State players were on the wrong end of the AFC title game. Ravens defensive end Odafe Oweh, punter Jordan Stout and receiver Dan Chisena will all miss out on the Super Bowl.
In the NFC title game between the 49ers and Lions, three former Penn State players will be involved.
