BREAKING: Philadelphia Eagles Star DeVonta Smith Rejects Pride Decal on Shoes, Calls It a “Woke Program” in Exchange for Huge Sponsorship Deal
Philadelphia, September 29, 2025 – In a move that has rocked the NFL, Philadelphia Eagles star wing DeVonta Smith has publicly refused to wear a custom Pride decal on his playing shoes. The decal was specifically designed to honor the LGBTQ+ community, but Smith flatly rejected it, calling it part of a “woke program” that he “will never support.” The decision, made on the eve of a major sponsorship deal, has sent shockwaves through the football community and society.
Background

DeVonta Smith, 26, is one of the brightest young talents in the NFL. A 10th-round pick in the 2021 draft out of the University of Alabama, Smith quickly became a mainstay of the Eagles’ offense with his sharp route-running ability and explosive speed. In the 2024 season, Smith recorded 1,200 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, helping the Eagles reach the playoffs. Off the field, he has been a familiar face in advertising campaigns, from a deal with Dick’s Sporting Goods (2021) to a signature shoe line with Endstate (2022).
The matter stemmed from a sponsorship offer from a major sneaker brand (inside sources say it could be Nike or a related partner). The plan was for Smith to receive an estimated $15 million/year contract, which included wearing custom shoes with a Pride decal – a rainbow symbol in support of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. The decal, which has been worn by other NFL stars like Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs) and Caitlin Clark (WNBA crossover), is meant to promote inclusion and diversity in sports.
However, Smith publicly declined during a post-practice press conference on Thursday. “I appreciate the sponsorship opportunity, but I can’t support something like that. It’s a woke agenda – forcing people to follow a political agenda without regard to their personal beliefs. I’m not going to wear it, no matter what,” Smith said in a firm voice. He stressed that the decision was based on “religious beliefs and family values” he grew up with in his hometown of Alabama.
Reaction From the Community and the NFL

The news spread like wildfire on social media, with the hashtags #SmithStandsFirm and #BoycottEagles quickly trending on X (formerly Twitter). LGBTQ+ activists have criticized Smith as “racist” and called on the Eagles to fire him, while a segment of conservative fans have supported him, calling it a “courageous stand against cultural coercion.” GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) has spoken out: “Sports should be a welcoming place for everyone, not a platform for discrimination.”
For the Eagles, coach Nick Sirianni declined to comment further, saying only: “We respect the individual rights of our players, but the team is committed to inclusion.” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also said briefly: “We encourage diverse values, but we do not force them. This will be reviewed internally.” Sources told ESPN that the sponsorship deal was still signed, but the Pride decal was removed – a victory for Smith, but also raised concerns about “giving in to conservative pressure”.
The Bigger Significance: The Culture Wars in Sports
Smith’s incident is not isolated. The NFL has faced similar controversies, from the Black Lives Matter movement (2020) to recent Pride campaigns. Last year, players like Aaron Rodgers criticized “woke culture” in sports, leading to deep divisions. For Smith – a young star of color – the decision is even more sensitive, as it touches on the intersection of race, religion and LGBTQ+ rights.
Experts say the move could impact the brand image of the Eagles, a team known for its passionate fans but also vulnerable to political influence. “Smith is risking his career to stand up for his personal stance, but in the era of #MeToo and DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion), this could cost him other big contracts,” ESPN journalist Adam Schefter commented.
Smith and the Eagles’ Future
For now, Smith remains focused on the 2025 season, where the Eagles are aiming for the Super Bowl. He’s scheduled to play in the season opener against the Packers this Sunday, and fans are curious to see if his shoes will still have any personal touches. Regardless, the incident has transformed Smith from a football star into a symbol of a larger debate: Is professional sports a place for athletes to express their political views, or should they keep quiet and focus on the game?
The story is still hot, and we’ll update as more information becomes available. What do you think of Smith’s decision? Share your thoughts in the comments below.