Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith recently opened up about the challenges of playing his position, offering a fresh perspective on why NFL wideouts often show strong emotions on and off the field.
In a candid discussion, Smith defended teammate A.J. Brown and explained the unique pressures receivers face.
DeVonta Smith Explains the Hidden Challenges of Being a Wide Receiver
Smith broke down the details of what it takes to make a play as a receiver, saying there’s a lot more to it than just running a route. He explained how a wideout’s opportunity comes only after a chain of things go right: the offensive line has to block, the quarterback has to make the correct read, and sometimes the running back has to pick up a blitz. Only then does a receiver even get a shot at the ball.
“It’s tough, man. But everybody deal with it differently. A.J. [Brown], he read the book.
“I’m going to say this. He was reading the book the whole year. I don’t know why they just picked it up but the whole year he’s had the book on the sideline.
“That’s his way. For me, at halftime, I go in, I listen to gospel when it’s not going right. I listen to gospel, try to get myself locked in and just know that when the ball do come, you got to make the play,” Smith said while defending A.J. Brown over the “book” incident.
This breakdown from DeVonta Smith on the difficulties of the wide receiver position is too real 💯@DeVontaSmith_6 pic.twitter.com/pxUNRK8rsu
— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) March 21, 2025
During the Eagles’ 22-10 playoff win over the Green Bay Packers, Brown was seen reading a book on the sideline, sparking speculation about his emotions. Some thought he was frustrated with his role in the offense, but Brown later clarified that reading is just part of his routine.
Smith also addressed the label that wide receivers are “divas.” He said their passion often comes from frustration, not selfishness. When a receiver knows he’s open but doesn’t get the ball because of a sack, penalty, or missed read, it’s natural to show emotion. Those missed chances can change the outcome of a game, so receivers speak up to make sure they’re seen.
He pointed to past legends like Terrell Owens and Randy Moss, saying their outspoken nature wasn’t about ego — it was about getting a fair shot to contribute. According to Smith, being vocal doesn’t mean disrespecting teammates. It’s about building trust and communication with the quarterback and coaching staff.
Despite the outside noise, Smith made it clear the Eagles’ locker room is built on respect. He said Jalen Hurts welcomes honest conversations and wants his receivers to speak up when they see a mismatch. Instead of viewing emotion as a problem, Smith believes passion and communication help drive the team’s success.