Former UGA Football Star Finds Inspiration at Masters

Nolan Smith's first visit to Augusta National sparks idea for second career

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:42pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting in shades of green, beige, and blue, breaking down a golf tournament scene into fragmented, overlapping planes to conceptually represent an athlete's transition to a new passion.A former football star finds inspiration in the serene atmosphere of the Masters, sparking ideas for a potential second career in the golf industry.Augusta Today

Nolan Smith, a former linebacker for the University of Georgia Bulldogs and current player for the Philadelphia Eagles, attended the Masters golf tournament for the first time. Smith found the slower, quieter atmosphere of Augusta National to be a refreshing change from the high-intensity championship environments he is used to, and the experience has sparked an idea for a potential second career after football.

Why it matters

Smith's transition from a successful college and professional football career to potentially pursuing opportunities in the golf industry highlights how elite athletes can leverage their experiences and connections to explore new passions and career paths after their playing days are over.

The details

During his visit to the Masters, Smith ran into familiar faces from his football career around the 13th hole at Augusta National. The former Bulldogs linebacker and Super Bowl champion described the Masters as 'beautiful' and a 'special event', noting the contrast between the tournament's slower, quieter atmosphere and the high-intensity championship environments he is accustomed to in football.

  • Nolan Smith attended the Masters for the first time on Friday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Nolan Smith

A former linebacker for the University of Georgia Bulldogs and current player for the Philadelphia Eagles who attended the Masters golf tournament for the first time.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'd say it's beautiful. It's a special event.”

— Nolan Smith, Former Bulldogs Linebacker

What’s next

Smith's experience at the Masters has sparked an idea for a potential second career in the golf industry after his playing days in the NFL are over.

The takeaway

Nolan Smith's transition from a successful college and professional football career to exploring opportunities in the golf industry highlights how elite athletes can leverage their experiences and connections to pursue new passions and career paths after retirement from their primary sport.