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DeVonta Smith’s first words after winning Heisman: ‘I’d like to thank God’

After winning the Heisman Trophy on Tuesday evening, Alabama Crimson Tide star DeVonta Smith immediately thanked his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

To begin his live acceptance speech delivered virtually to the world, Smith declared, “First off, I’d like to thank God.”

“Without Him, none of this would be possible,” he continued.

Smith subsequently congratulated the other three finalists, including his teammate and quarterback Mac Jones, who was seated beside Smith and embraced him after the award winner was named.

In his remarks, Smith also thanked the family members, friends, coaches and mentors who have helped him get to this point in his collegiate career.

His speech provided insight into the mind of a champion — and the type of mentality that makes Tide head coach Nick Saban lavish praise on Smith’s character.

“With team success comes individual success,” Smith commented. “To all the young kids out there that aren’t the biggest, not the strongest — just keep pushing. Because I’m not the biggest, I’ve been doubted a lot just because of my size, and really it just comes down to if you put your mind to it and do it. No job is too big; if you put your mind to it, you can do it. Just keep believing in God and you’ll get where you want to be.”

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn

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