30 Facts About Jonnu Smith

Early Life and Family

Jonnu Smith's journey to the NFL is rooted in a challenging yet inspiring upbringing.

1. Early Life and Family: Raised in North Philadelphia, Jonnu Smith is the youngest of six children. His mother, Karen, played a crucial role in his upbringing after his father's untimely death when Jonnu was just six years old.

2. Name Origin: Jonnu's unique name was chosen by his mother immediately after birth, as hospital policies required a name to be given at that time. Karen prayed and came up with the name Jonnu.

3. Youth Challenges: Growing up in Philadelphia, Smith faced numerous challenges. His brother was arrested, and one of his friends was killed on the streets. To ensure his safety, he moved in with his maternal aunt and uncle in Ocala, Florida.

High School and College Career

Smith's football journey took off during his high school years and flourished in college.

4. High School Football: Smith started playing high school football at West Port High School in Ocala, Florida. Despite not being a highly touted recruit, he earned a scholarship to Florida International University (FIU).

5. College Career: At FIU, Smith majored in liberal studies and played college football from 2013 to 2016. During his freshman year in 2013, he played 12 games with 39 receptions for 388 yards and two touchdowns.

6. Breakout Year: In 2014, Smith had a breakout year, playing 12 games with 61 receptions for 710 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. This performance set career highs in every major statistic and nearly doubled his production from the previous year.

7. College Statistics: Over his four-year college career, Smith accumulated 178 receptions for 2,001 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns. These statistics make him one of the most prolific tight ends in FIU history.

8. Senior Bowl Invitation: Despite his impressive college career, Smith was not selected in the first or second round of the 2017 NFL draft. He was, however, invited to play in the 2017 Senior Bowl, where he was overshadowed by other tight ends considered first and second round picks.

NFL Draft and Early Career

Smith's transition to the NFL marked the beginning of a promising professional career.

9. NFL Draft Selection: Smith was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft with the 100th overall pick. He began his professional career with the Titans in 2017.

10. Early NFL Career: In his first four seasons with the Titans, Smith started in 53 of the 60 games he played. He accumulated 1,302 receiving yards, 114 receptions, and 16 receiving touchdowns. His performance established him as a reliable tight end in the league.

11. 2020 Season Performance: In the 2020 season, Smith established himself as one of the league's most reliable tight ends. He scored the fourth most touchdowns at his position and finished the year with 448 total yards, 41 receptions, and nine touchdowns.

New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons

Smith's career took new turns with significant contracts and trades.

12. Contract with Patriots: Due to his outstanding performance in 2020, Smith was awarded a four-year, $50 million contract with the New England Patriots in the 2021 offseason. However, he only spent two seasons with the team, accumulating 539 yards, 59 catches, and one touchdown.

13. Trade to Falcons: In March 2023, Smith was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a 2023 seventh-round draft pick. This trade reunited him with former head coach Arthur Smith, who was his offensive coordinator with the Titans.

14. Performance with Falcons: Despite the reunion, Smith's tenure with the Falcons was short-lived. He was released by the team on February 27, 2024, after one year. During his time with the Falcons, he set career-highs in receptions (50) and receiving yards (582).

Miami Dolphins and Versatility

Smith's versatility and new opportunities with the Miami Dolphins highlight his ongoing career.

15. Free Agency Signing: Following his release from the Falcons, Smith entered NFL free agency and signed a two-year contract with the Miami Dolphins on March 7, 2024.

16. Physical Attributes: At 6-3 and 248 pounds, Smith is a physically imposing tight end. His size and strength make him a versatile player who can excel in various roles on the field.

17. Versatility: Smith's ability to wear many hats on the field is one of his greatest strengths. He can play as a slot receiver, attached to the line of scrimmage in a traditional tight end role, or even lined up in the backfield as a running back. This versatility makes him a valuable asset to any offense.

18. Yards After Catch (YAC): Smith is particularly adept at gaining yards after the catch. In 2023, he ranked third in YAC average among all tight ends, with an impressive 7.1 yards per reception. This ability to extend plays with his feet makes him a nightmare for defenders to tackle.

19. Offensive Rankings: During his time with the Falcons, Smith played on offenses that ranked 26th, 15th, and 11th in the league over the last three seasons. His new team, the Miami Dolphins, is known for its high-powered offense, which ranked first in total offense in 2023.

Leadership and Personal Life

Smith's leadership and personal life offer a glimpse into the man behind the athlete.

20. Leadership: Smith's leadership on and off the field has been praised by his teammates. In Atlanta, he provided a steady sounding board for Kyle Pitts, who noted that Smith's personality and style on the field were invaluable.

21. Career Bests: Smith is on pace to set career highs in receptions and receiving yards with the Dolphins. His current statistics are a testament to his hard work and dedication to improving his game.

22. Personal Life: Smith is a Christian and credits his faith for much of his success. He has said that faith is the foundation of everything he does and that he leans on the things he learned as a kid today as a grown man.

23. Fatherhood: Smith is a devoted father to his children, Jaiyen and his daughter. He has spoken about the importance of family and how his experiences have shaped him into the person he is today.

24. Weightlifting: In addition to football, Smith is also an accomplished weightlifter. He finished second in the county in the 219-pound weight class, showcasing his strength and athleticism.

25. Family Sacrifices: Smith often credits his mother, Karen, for his successes. Despite facing financial hardships, she raised all six children by herself after his father's death. This sacrifice has had a lasting impact on Smith's life and career.

Challenges and Faith

Smith's journey has not been without its challenges, but his faith has been a guiding force.

26. Altercation with Girlfriend: In 2016, Smith was involved in an altercation with his girlfriend, Mary Gaspar, who was five months pregnant with their child. The incident resulted in Smith suffering burns and being ruled out for the rest of his senior year. Gaspar was arrested for aggravated battery but later had the charges dropped after delivering their child.

27. Faith and Football: Smith's journey in football has been intertwined with his faith. He has spoken about how his faith helps him navigate the challenges of the sport and provides him with a sense of purpose.

28. Community Involvement: Despite his busy schedule, Smith remains committed to his community. He has participated in various charitable events and has been involved in initiatives aimed at supporting underprivileged youth.

Legacy and Return to Miami

Smith's legacy continues to grow as he returns to his roots.

29. Legacy at FIU: As one of the most successful tight ends in FIU history, Smith's legacy extends beyond his on-field accomplishments. He has inspired a new generation of football players at the university and remains a beloved figure in the FIU community.

30. Return to Miami: With his signing with the Miami Dolphins, Smith is set to become the first FIU product to play for the hometown team in a regular-season game. This return to his roots is a testament to his perseverance and dedication to the sport he loves.

Jonnu Smith: A Testament to Hard Work and Faith

Jonnu Smith's journey from North Philadelphia to the NFL is nothing short of inspiring. Overcoming early life challenges, he carved out a stellar college career at Florida International University. Drafted by the Tennessee Titans, he quickly proved his worth, becoming one of the league's most versatile tight ends. His ability to play multiple roles on the field, combined with his knack for gaining yards after catch, makes him a valuable asset. Smith's faith and dedication have been his guiding lights, helping him navigate both personal and professional hurdles. Now with the Miami Dolphins, he's poised to continue his impressive career. Jonnu's story is a powerful reminder that hard work, resilience, and faith can lead to extraordinary achievements. Keep an eye on him; his journey is far from over.