40 Facts About Roquan Smith

Early Life and High School

Roquan Smith's journey to NFL stardom began in Georgia, where his passion for football was ignited at a young age.

1. Roquan Smith was introduced to organized football at the age of six. His youth football coaches had to keep a copy of his birth certificate on file to dispute claims that he was too old to play.
2. Smith attended Macon County High School in Montezuma, Georgia, where he played football for the Bulldogs.
3. He originally committed to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) but changed his commitment to the University of Georgia.
4. As a high school player, Roquan Smith was listed as a four-star recruit by 247Sports with a 0.9769 composite score.
5. He ranked 48th nationally, fifth among all outside linebackers, and sixth out of the state of Georgia.

College Career at Georgia

Smith's college career at the University of Georgia was marked by impressive performances and numerous accolades.

6. Smith played college football under head coaches Mark Richt and Kirby Smart at the University of Georgia.
7. As a true freshman in 2015, he played in 12 games and recorded 20 tackles.
8. In his sophomore year (2016), Smith started 10 out of 13 games and recorded 95 tackles, 52 of which were solo tackles.
9. He also had five tackles for loss, one pass deflection, one fumble recovery, and two forced fumbles in his sophomore year.
10. Following his impressive sophomore season, Smith was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press in 2017.
11. Smith became the first Georgia Bulldog to win the prestigious Butkus Award, given to the top collegiate linebacker every year by former Bears legend Dick Butkus.
12. In 2017, Smith was named MVP of the SEC Championship Game, further solidifying his status as one of the top defensive players in college football.
13. After his junior year, Smith decided to forgo his final year of eligibility and entered the 2018 NFL draft.

NFL Draft and Rookie Season

Smith's transition to the NFL was seamless, as he quickly made a name for himself with the Chicago Bears.

14. Roquan Smith was selected by the Chicago Bears with the eighth overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft.
15. As a rookie, Smith had 121 tackles and five sacks while getting named to the Pro Bowl as an alternate.
16. His impressive performance in his first season set high expectations for his future in the NFL.

Challenges and Triumphs

Smith faced several challenges in his early NFL career but continued to excel on the field.

17. The 2019 season ended early for Smith due to a torn pectoral in Week 14, which forced him to miss several games.
18. In 2020, despite missing the playoff game due to injury, Smith had multiple interceptions in Week 16 as Chicago made the playoffs that season.
19. In the 2021 season, Smith recorded 163 combined tackles in a 17-game season.
20. He was named a second-team All-Pro in both 2020 and 2021.

Trade to Baltimore Ravens

A significant turning point in Smith's career came with his trade to the Baltimore Ravens.

21. In 2022, Smith had contract disputes with the Bears. He requested a trade prior to the season due to the lack of a contract extension.
22. Smith was traded to the Baltimore Ravens midway through the 2022 season.
23. His impressive performance earned him the team MVP title from local media and All-Pro honors for the past two years.
24. In January 2023, the Baltimore Ravens signed Smith to a five-year, $100 million extension, making him the highest-paid off-ball linebacker in the NFL at the time.

Impact on Ravens' Defense

Smith's presence has been crucial for the Ravens' defense, showcasing his leadership and skill.

25. Now in his second full season with the Ravens, Smith's presence is crucial for the team's defense.
26. His leadership and performance have been pivotal in maintaining the Ravens' elite defensive status despite significant losses in free agency.
27. Smith has been named team MVP by local media and has earned All-Pro honors for the past two years.
28. As one of the key players on the Ravens' defense, Smith is often seen as a leader and a cornerstone of the team.
29. His ability to motivate and guide his teammates has been instrumental in the team's success.

Career Highlights and Personal Life

Smith's career is filled with numerous highlights and personal achievements.

30. Smith was compared to Deion Jones by NFL.com's Lance Zierlein due to his similar tackling and defensive skills.
31. On May 8, 2018, nearly two weeks after being drafted, it was reported that Smith's car was burglarized in Athens, Georgia. However, the next day, the stolen items were recovered.
32. Smith is known for his eloquent remarks and leadership qualities.
33. Despite Lamar Jackson's immense popularity, Smith is a strong contender for the face of the franchise.
34. The Ravens signed Smith to a five-year, $100 million extension in January 2023, making him the highest-paid off-ball linebacker in the NFL at the time.
35. Smith's presence on the field has significantly impacted the Ravens' performance.
36. Smith shares a unique bond with the Ravens' new defensive coordinator, Zach Orr, who played linebacker for the Ravens less than a decade ago before retiring due to a neck and spine condition.
37. Smith is confident in the potential of young players like Trenton Simpson, a third-round draft pick in 2023.
38. The Ravens' new defensive coordinator, Zach Orr, is expected to bring valuable insights to his new role.
39. Smith emphasizes the team's collective hunger and pack mentality.
40. Smith’s leadership style is characterized by his ability to motivate and guide his teammates.

Roquan Smith's Remarkable Journey

Roquan Smith's journey from a young football enthusiast to one of the NFL's top linebackers is nothing short of inspiring. His early start in football, standout high school and college careers, and impressive NFL achievements highlight his dedication and talent. Smith's accolades, including the Butkus Award and All-Pro honors, showcase his exceptional skills on the field. His leadership and impact on the Ravens' defense have solidified his status as a cornerstone of the team. Despite challenges like injuries and contract disputes, Smith's resilience and determination have kept him at the top of his game. With a lucrative contract extension and a bright future ahead, Roquan Smith continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. His story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence in the world of football.