NFL Star Arrested, Nolan Smith Jr.
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 22: Nolan Smith Jr. #3 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after recovering a fumble against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Timothy Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

NFL Star Arrested After Speeding at 135 MPH

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. was arrested in Georgia after authorities accused him of driving 135 MPH on the interstate.

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. was arrested on Friday following allegations of speeding and reckless driving in Georgia.

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According to the Twiggs County Sheriff's Office, the 25-year-old was clocked driving 135 MPH in a 70 MPH zone on the interstate at around 10:41 PM.

NFL Star Arrested After Alleged 135 MPH Speeding Incident

ESPN reported that Smith posted bond and secured his release around an hour after authorities booked him into custody.

A court date for the case has been set for July 14, though reports suggest Smith may not need to appear in person if he pays the fines connected to the citations.

Before entering the NFL, Smith played collegiately for the University of Georgia between 2019 and 2022.

During his time with the Bulldogs, he helped lead the program to back-to-back College Football Playoff National Championships in 2021 and 2022.

The Georgia native later entered the 2023 NFL Draft, where the Eagles selected him with the 30th overall pick.

Smith enjoyed a productive 2024 campaign in Philadelphia, recording 6.5 sacks during the regular season before adding another four sacks throughout the Eagles' playoff run to the Super Bowl.

Across his first three NFL seasons, Smith has totaled 10.5 sacks and 25 quarterback hits. As well as 10 tackles for loss, while developing into a key defensive contributor for Philadelphia.

Georgia Football Program Linked to More Driving Incidents

Smith is the latest player connected to Georgia's football program to make headlines over driving-related offenses.

In 2023, Smith's Eagles teammate Jalen Carter became involved in a fatal car crash while still playing at Georgia.

The incident killed Georgia staff member Chandler LeCroy and player Devin Willock. It occurred just hours after celebrations for the team's national championship victory.

Authorities alleged that Carter drove a Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk while racing another vehicle operated by LeCroy.

Carter later avoided jail time after pleading no contest to charges of racing and reckless driving.

The court instead sentenced him to 12 months of probation, a $1,000 fine, community service, and a defensive driving course.

Smith's arrest comes just days before the Eagles begin organized team activities on Tuesday, according to ESPN.