When we think of heroes, we often imagine people who wear capes or save the world in grand ways. But sometimes, heroes are the people who shape us, teach us, and quietly influence everything we become. Sonny Smart was one such hero. His story, his love for football, and his devotion to his family are tales that deserve to be told, and today, we remember him.
A New Year’s Eve That Changed Everything
It was a chilly New Year’s Eve in New Orleans, a city bustling with excitement as fans gathered for the Sugar Bowl and the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Among the crowd was Sonny Smart, proud father of Kirby Smart, the University of Georgia’s head football coach. Sonny, a man deeply connected to the game of football and his son’s career, was there to support Kirby as he led the Bulldogs against Notre Dame at the Caesars Superdome.
But life took a sudden turn. While walking during the day, Sonny fell and fractured his hip. What seemed like a manageable injury quickly escalated into a serious situation. He was rushed to the hospital and underwent hip surgery. Despite the surgeons’ best efforts, complications arose. Sonny fought valiantly, as he always had throughout his life, but this time, he couldn’t overcome the challenges. On January 6th, Sonny Smart passed away at the age of 76.
A Father’s Influence Runs Deep
To understand the depth of this loss, you need to know who Sonny Smart was. Sonny wasn’t just Kirby Smart’s father—he was a man who lived and breathed football. From his college days as a player at Samford University to his time coaching high school football in Georgia and Alabama, Sonny’s life revolved around the game.
At Bainbridge High School in Georgia, Sonny coached his son Kirby, who played safety for him. Can you imagine that? A father guiding his son on the field, teaching him not just about football but about life. Kirby once said, “A lot of my core beliefs came from the way he ran our programs in high school.” Sonny wasn’t just a coach; he was a mentor, a guide, and a role model.
The Call of Coaching
Before Bainbridge, Sonny coached at Holtville High School in Alabama and later at Rabun County High in Georgia. His career was built on shaping young athletes, not just into better players but into better people. His approach was simple but effective: discipline, hard work, and heart.
Kirby often spoke about his father’s influence on his own coaching style. “I tried to follow his mantra as a coach,” Kirby said. That mantra—respect for the game, respect for people, and the pursuit of excellence—helped Kirby become one of the most successful college football coaches in history. Under Kirby’s leadership, the Georgia Bulldogs won back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022, a feat that would have made Sonny beam with pride.
A Shared Love for Football
Football wasn’t just a job for Sonny and Kirby—it was a bond that connected them. Imagine the countless evenings they must have spent discussing plays, strategies, and players. Picture young Kirby watching his dad on the sidelines, learning not just the X’s and O’s of football but also the values that define great leaders: perseverance, humility, and dedication.
When Kirby became the head coach of the Bulldogs, Sonny was his biggest cheerleader. He watched his son rise through the ranks, from a defensive back at Georgia to a successful assistant coach and finally to the head coach of one of the most storied programs in college football. Sonny’s fingerprints were all over Kirby’s success, not just in the game but in life.
A Bittersweet Farewell
The days surrounding Sonny’s passing were especially tough for Kirby. The Sugar Bowl, originally scheduled for January 1st, had been moved to January 2nd due to a tragic attack on Bourbon Street. Amidst the chaos and the game preparations, Kirby spent part of New Year’s Day in the hospital with his father. After Georgia’s 23-10 loss to Notre Dame, Kirby rushed back to be by Sonny’s side.
The love between father and son was evident. Kirby didn’t just see Sonny as his dad—he saw him as his foundation. Losing Sonny wasn’t just losing a parent; it was losing a mentor, a guide, and a lifelong supporter.
A Legacy That Lives On
Sonny’s story didn’t end with his passing. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, from the players he coached to the family he inspired. Kirby, with his dedication to excellence and his ability to lead, is the clearest reflection of Sonny’s values.
Sonny’s impact goes beyond the football field. He showed us what it means to be a great parent, mentor, and community leader. His life was a reminder that success isn’t just measured in wins and championships but in the lives we shape and the values we pass on.
Honoring Sonny’s Memory
As the University of Georgia and the football world mourn Sonny’s loss, it’s also a time to celebrate his life. He was more than a coach or a father—he was a man who made a difference.
Kirby Smart’s journey is a testament to Sonny’s influence. From the way Kirby carries himself on the sidelines to the respect he commands from his players, every step is a nod to the lessons Sonny taught him. The Bulldogs’ success isn’t just a reflection of Kirby’s hard work; it’s a tribute to the foundation Sonny built.
Moving Forward
Sonny Smart’s passing is a reminder of life’s fragility but also its beauty. His story teaches us to cherish our loved ones, to pursue our passions, and to leave a legacy of kindness and dedication.
As Kirby leads the Bulldogs into future seasons, he carries his father’s spirit with him. And for all of us, Sonny’s life is a reminder that greatness isn’t about fame or fortune—it’s about the values we instill in others and the love we share.
Rest in peace, Sonny Smart. Your legacy lives on.