On January 1, 2025, Sonny Smart, the father of Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart, was hospitalized following a fall in front of his New Orleans hotel. Sources indicate that Sonny is expected to undergo hip surgery. This incident is unrelated to the tragic attack on Bourbon Street earlier that morning, where a man drove a truck through a New Year’s Eve crowd, resulting in 10 fatalities and numerous injuries.
Sonny Smart, a former high school head coach for over two decades, frequently attends Georgia games with his wife, Sharon Smart, and is often seen on the field post-game, conversing with his son, Kirby. He was in New Orleans to watch the Bulldogs play Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl.
The Sugar Bowl, initially scheduled for January 1, was postponed due to the tragic events in New Orleans. The game is now set to take place on January 2 at 8:45 PM ET (7:45 PM CT) in New Orleans.
The community has expressed support for the Smart family during this challenging time. Kirby Smart, who has led the Georgia Bulldogs to multiple championships, continues to focus on his team’s preparation for the rescheduled Sugar Bowl.
As of now, there are no further updates on Sonny Smart’s condition. The Smart family appreciates the outpouring of support and requests privacy during this period.