Jaylon Smith Makes NFL Debut

It had been approximately 19 months since Jaylon Smith played in a real football game but his long-awaited NFL debut was nothing less of exciting. 

In the first pre-season game at AT&T Stadium Saturday night, Smith played 12 snaps against the Indianapolis Colts with one very notable play. 

Smith made a huge stop against Colts tight end Jack Doyle on third down to force a punt. 

It was the first game Smith has played since suffering a knee injury during the Fiesta Bowl in January of 2016. He was a junior at Notre Dame at the time and was then drafted at No. 34 by the Dallas Cowboys; a pick that was surprising to many. 

With the type of injury Smith suffered (torn ACL/ LCL) it would be easy to lose faith in a young player who has never played a single snap of professional football.

But when asked if he had ever doubted himself, Smiths reply was “No. No. Not one moment,” via ESPN.

“From day one, I’ve believed in myself, and I thank the supporters everywhere, even everyone who doubted me.”

The team expressed full-on support and excitement for Smith on the sidelines and joining them was all of #CowboysNation on Twitter making it clear that Cowboys fans have been pulling for him since the beginning. 

“It’s a blessing,” said Smith. “It’s a blessing to be out here. It’s a blessing to be playing for America’s Team. I’m so honored to just to play the game I love.” 

Smith has made it clear that “it’s just the beginning, and it was a remarkable day.”