Former Heisman Winner Crushing In NFL Puts God Front And Center For His Middle School Sweetheart's Wedding
Sports
‘Trusting His Plan’: NFL Player Devonta Smith Marries Mya Danielle In ‘Deeply Personal’ Ceremony
(Photo by Kent Gidley/Heisman Trophy Trust via Getty Images)
Leena Nasir Entertainment Reporter June 23, 2026 4:22 PM ET June 23, 2026 4:22 PM ET Leena Nasir Entertainment Reporter Font Size:Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith married Mya Danielle in a June 13 ceremony rooted in their deep faith and love for one another.
Their celebration unfolded over an entire weekend and included a lavish, black-tie reception with their two young daughters and 135 loved ones, but it was the private ceremony that meant the most to them, according to People. They made “deeply personal” handwritten vows to each other privately, dedicating their lives to one another in an intimate moment, before tying the knot in front of a cross cut-out set against the backdrop of a wall of white roses. Their outdoor ceremony was officiated by Pastor Joshua L. Mitchel.
“The next chapter looks exactly as God sees fit,” they told People. “We’ve learned throughout our relationship that some of life’s greatest blessings come from trusting His plan, even when we can’t see the full picture.”
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Smith and Danielle, who met in middle school, exchanged traditional vows at the altar and said their ceremony represented “a lifelong commitment to choose each other every single day.”
It emphasizes “having a true partner for life” and “building a life together rooted in love,” according to the couple.
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“Neither of us could have imagined that years later we would be standing at the altar together,” Danielle told People.
“There’s something really special about being able to say that we’ve known each other since we were kids. We’ve had the opportunity to grow individually and together, and now we’re excited to begin this next chapter as husband and wife.”
Keeping her faith at the forefront, Danielle told the outlet she hopes to set an example for her daughters of what “true love” looks like.
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“We want them to see a marriage built on love, respect, faith, partnership, and perseverance,” she said.
“Our hope is that, by the way we love and support one another, we’re setting an example for them of what a strong and healthy relationship can be.” (RELATED: Dua Lipa Marries Actor Callum Turner In Intimate Ceremony)
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The couple, who were engaged in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on New Years Eve 2024, had their wedding at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Florida’s Walt Disney World Resort, according to People.
Smith won the Heisman trophy in 2020, becoming the first wide receiver in around 30 years to secure the honor, according to the Heisman website.
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
