Bringing Home the Chip

This Super Bowl was one for the ages. It was the first time that a Super Bowl was played at a home stadium. Speaking of home, here are some players representing the DMV area that you might’ve missed.

Donovan Smith is the starting Offensive Tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Originally from Hempstead, New York, he moved to Owings Mills, Maryland with his twin sister in high school. At Owings Mills High School, he was ranked 9th in his class for his position after he didn’t allow a sack his junior and senior year. He was an outstanding defensive lineman, but chose to stay on the offensive line at Penn State and now the NFL. He is now a Super Bowl champion.

Aaron Stinnie is the starting Guard for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Raised in Charlottesville, Virginia, he attended St. Anne’s-Belfield High School and played basketball. After some convincing from friends, he decided to play football sophomore year. He redshirted until his junior year and was a Football Championship Subdivision All-American his junior and senior year. He stayed home for college, attending James Madison College. He went undrafted, but was later picked up by the Buccaneers in 2019. He played a huge role in protecting Tom Brady and has a ring to show for it.

Derrick Nnandi is the starting Defensive Tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs. Born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, he attended Ocean Lakes High School and was a standout player during all four years. When he entered the combine in 2018, he played poorly and his draft stock dropped. He was selected 75th overall to play locally for the Baltimore Ravens and was then traded to the Chiefs. He finished the Super Bowl with a tackle and four assists. Though his team lost, he still represented the DMV to the fullest.

Know any upcoming athletes from the DMV we should cover? Let us know on Instagram @blakebeatnews!