30 Facts About Preston Smith

Source: Cbssports.com

Who is Preston Smith? Preston Demarquis Smith, born on November 17, 1992, is a standout defensive end currently playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. From his early days at Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia, to his college career at Mississippi State, Smith has consistently proven his talent. Drafted by the Washington Redskins in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, he quickly made a name for himself with impressive stats and game-changing plays. Known for his versatility, Smith has played for the Green Bay Packers and now brings his skills to the Steelers. His journey is a testament to hard work and dedication.

Key Takeaways:

Preston Smith's journey from a two-star high school recruit to a top NFL defensive player showcases the power of hard work and determination, inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams despite initial setbacks.
With consistent performance and community involvement, Preston Smith's legacy extends beyond the football field, demonstrating the importance of leadership, perseverance, and giving back to the community.

Table of Contents

Early Life and College

Preston Smith's journey to the NFL began in Georgia and took him through the college football ranks.

Early Life: Preston Smith attended Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Despite being rated as a two-star recruit by 247sports.com and Scout.com, Rivals.com saw his potential and rated him as a three-star recruit.
College Football: Smith chose to play for the Mississippi State Bulldogs over offers from Kentucky, Syracuse, and West Virginia, among others. His time at Mississippi State was crucial in developing his skills and preparing him for the NFL.
College Statistics: At Mississippi State, Preston Smith recorded 6 solo tackles and over 150 total tackles in his college career, showcasing his defensive prowess.

Entering the NFL

Smith's transition from college to the professional league was marked by significant milestones.

NFL Draft: The Washington Redskins selected Preston Smith in the second round with the 38th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He was the seventh defensive end drafted that year.
Contract: On May 11, 2015, the Redskins signed Smith to a four-year, $5.77 million contract, which included $3.16 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $2.46 million.
NFL Combine Performance: During his NFL Combine, Smith recorded a 40-yard dash time of 4.74 seconds, a 10-yard split of 1.60 seconds, and a 20-yard split of 2.73 seconds, impressing scouts with his athleticism.

Professional Debut and Early Career

Smith quickly made an impact in his rookie season with the Redskins.

Professional Debut: Preston Smith made his professional regular season debut in the Washington Redskins' season-opener against the Miami Dolphins, recording two solo tackles, forcing two fumbles, recovering one, and making his first career sack.
First Career Start: In Week 13 of the 2015 season, Smith earned his first career start and recorded one solo tackle as the Redskins earned a 24–21 victory at the Chicago Bears.
Season Highlights: On December 26, 2015, Smith tied his season-high of four combined tackles (three solo) and also had a season-high three sacks on Sam Bradford during a 38–24 victory at the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16. His performance earned him the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week.
Rookie Campaign: Smith finished his rookie campaign with 35 combined tackles (24 solo), eight sacks, four pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in 16 games and 2 starts.

Career Achievements and Consistency

Smith's career has been marked by consistent performance and notable achievements.

Career Sacks: As of the 2023 season, Preston Smith has accumulated 83.5 sacks in his NFL career, placing him among the top sack leaders in the league.
Consistency: Smith is the only active player in the NFL with 30-plus tackles and four-plus sacks in each of the last nine seasons (2015-23).
Games Played: As of the end of the 2023 season, Smith has played in 64 games with 50 starts for the Washington Redskins and Green Bay Packers.
Pass Deflections: During his rookie season, Smith recorded four pass deflections, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
Forced Fumbles: Smith forced three fumbles in his rookie season, demonstrating his aggressive playstyle and ability to create turnovers.

Transition to New Teams

Smith's career saw him move to different teams, bringing his talent to new environments.

Trade to Green Bay Packers: In 2021, Preston Smith was traded from the Washington Redskins to the Green Bay Packers. He played for the Packers from 2021 to 2023.
Trade to Pittsburgh Steelers: In 2024, Smith was traded from the Green Bay Packers to the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking a new chapter in his NFL career.
Defensive End Role: Throughout his career, Smith has primarily played as a 3-4 outside linebacker and defensive end, showcasing his versatility on the field.
Coaching Changes: The change in coaching staff from Joe Barry to a new defensive coordinator at the Green Bay Packers influenced Smith's role and performance on the team.

Leadership and Community Involvement

Beyond his on-field achievements, Smith has demonstrated leadership and community involvement.

Leadership: Despite being traded to different teams, Smith has consistently demonstrated leadership qualities both on and off the field, earning respect from his teammates and coaches.
Community Involvement: Smith is involved in various community activities, including supporting local youth football programs and participating in charity events.

Personal Life and Legacy

Smith's personal background and legacy add depth to his professional achievements.

Personal Life: Born in Stone Mountain, Georgia, Smith grew up in a family that valued hard work and dedication. His journey from a small town to becoming an NFL player is an inspiration to many.
Legacy: As one of the most consistent defensive players in the NFL, Smith's legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements. He continues to inspire younger players and fans alike with his dedication and perseverance.
First Career Sack: Smith's first career sack was against quarterback Ryan Tannehill during the Washington Redskins' season-opener against the Miami Dolphins.
Fumble Recovery: In his rookie season, Smith recovered a fumble he caused while making his first career sack on quarterback Ryan Tannehill for a 13-yard loss.
Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week: Smith's performance in Week 16 of the 2015 season earned him the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week award.
Career Milestones: As of the end of the 2023 season, Smith has achieved numerous career milestones, including becoming one of the top sack leaders in the NFL.
Height and Weight: Smith stands at 6 feet 4 inches (1.95 meters) tall and weighs 271 pounds (123 kilograms).
Draft Profile: The NFL Draft Profile highlighted Smith's potential as a defensive end with his impressive combine performance and college statistics.
Redskins Draft Video: The video of the Redskins drafting Smith 38th overall showcases his excitement and anticipation as he joined the team.

Preston Smith: A Consistent Force in the NFL

Preston Smith's journey from a two-star recruit to a standout NFL defensive end is nothing short of inspiring. His career, marked by consistent performance and leadership, showcases his dedication and talent. From his early days at Mississippi State to his impactful seasons with the Washington Redskins and Green Bay Packers, Smith has proven his worth on the field. Now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he continues to be a formidable presence, known for his ability to rack up tackles and sacks year after year. His involvement in community activities and leadership qualities further highlight his character. Smith's legacy in the NFL is built on hard work, perseverance, and a relentless drive to succeed. As he continues to make his mark, fans and aspiring players alike can look up to him as a model of excellence in professional football.

Frequently Asked Questions

QWhat teams has Preston Smith played for in the NFL?

Preston Smith has showcased his talents with two teams. Initially, he made waves playing for the Washington Redskins, where his professional journey kicked off. Later, he brought his skills to the Green Bay Packers, continuing to impress fans and critics alike with his performance on the field.

QHow did Preston Smith perform in college football?

Before making a splash in the NFL, Smith honed his skills at Mississippi State University. There, he didn't just play; he stood out as a formidable force on the defense, earning accolades and setting the stage for his future professional success.

QWhat are some notable achievements of Preston Smith's NFL career?

Throughout his time in the NFL, Smith has racked up impressive stats, including sacks, tackles, and forced fumbles. His knack for disrupting offenses has not gone unnoticed, earning him recognition and awards, such as NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

QCan Preston Smith play different positions on the field?

Primarily known for his role as an outside linebacker, Smith possesses versatility that allows him to excel in various defensive positions. His adaptability and understanding of the game make him a valuable asset to his team's defensive lineup.

QWhat impact has Preston Smith had off the field?

Beyond his on-field achievements, Smith has made his mark off the field too. Engaging in community service and charity work, he's shown a commitment to giving back, making him not just a player to watch during the game but also a person to admire for his actions outside the stadium.

QHow does Preston Smith's playing style contribute to his team's defense?

Smith's playing style is characterized by his explosive speed, strength, and strategic thinking. These attributes allow him to outmaneuver opponents, making crucial plays that can change the course of a game. His ability to read offenses and react swiftly makes him a cornerstone of his team's defensive strategy.

QWhat's the best way to stay updated on Preston Smith's career?

For fans wanting to keep tabs on Smith's career, following him on social media platforms and checking out his team's official website are great ways to get the latest news, stats, and highlights. These sources provide up-to-the-minute updates on his achievements, upcoming games, and personal insights.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.