Elerson G. Smith Bio
Elerson G. Smith (born July 17, 1998) is an American former professional football defensive end who played in the National Football League (NFL). Over the course of his career, he suited up for the New York Giants, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, and Cleveland Browns. Smith played college football for the Northern Iowa Panthers before being selected by the Giants in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL draft. He announced his retirement from professional football in July 2025.
Early Life and Background
Elerson G. Smith was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he attended Minneapolis South High School. Growing up in a city with a strong football tradition, Smith was exposed to the sport at an early age and developed into a multi-sport athlete during his high school years. In addition to football, he lettered in track and field, wrestling, and basketball, an athletic background that helped shape his blend of size, explosiveness, and competitive toughness.
Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and competing at 255 pounds, Smith had the physical profile of a pass rusher even before reaching the college level. His combination of length and strength made him a sought-after recruit, eventually leading him to the University of Northern Iowa to continue both his football career and his education.
Path to American Football
Smith committed to Northern Iowa, where he joined a Panthers program competing in the Missouri Valley Football Conference at the NCAA Division I FCS level. He redshirted his true freshman season, preserving a year of eligibility while he adjusted to the college game. The patience paid off as he transitioned into a larger role the following year.
As a redshirt sophomore, Smith began seeing consistent playing time and recorded 19 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and a forced fumble, numbers that hinted at his pass-rushing potential. His development continued into his junior season, when he emerged as one of the top defensive players in the conference. That trajectory ultimately set the stage for his transition to professional football.
Elerson G. Smith Career
Early Career (2016–2020)
Smith played his college football for the Northern Iowa Panthers from 2016 through the 2020 season. After a redshirt year, he steadily built his résumé, culminating in a dominant redshirt junior campaign in 2020. During that season, he tallied 63 total tackles, 14 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss, and five forced fumbles, establishing himself as a force off the edge.
His performance in 2020 earned him first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors and first-team FCS All-American recognition from the American Football Coaches Association. With his senior season postponed to the spring of 2021 because of Covid-19, Smith declared for the 2021 NFL draft and accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl, where he showcased his skills against top collegiate talent.
New York Giants Breakthrough (2021–2022)
Smith was selected in the fourth round with the 116th overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft by the New York Giants. He signed his four-year rookie contract with the team on May 25, 2021. His first season, however, was disrupted by injuries, as he was placed on injured reserve before the season opener and did not see game action until November, when he was activated on November 6.
In 2022, Smith again battled injury, beginning the year on injured reserve before returning in late October. He was placed back on injured reserve in mid-December with a neck injury, and his time with the Giants ended on July 25, 2023, when he was waived. Across his New York tenure, he appeared in limited regular-season games while continuing to develop his frame and technique.
New York Jets Era (2023)
After being waived by the Giants, Smith signed with the New York Jets practice squad on October 11, 2023. His stint with the Jets was brief, as he was released on November 1, 2023. Although he did not appear in regular-season games during his time with the team, the opportunity allowed him to remain within the league and continue preparing for his next opportunity.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2023–2024)
On November 22, 2023, Smith signed with the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad, giving him a fresh start in a new organization. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Raiders on January 8, 2024, securing his place on the team’s offseason roster. Smith spent the 2024 offseason and preseason with the Raiders before being waived/injured on August 27, 2024.
Cleveland Browns Era (2024–2025)
Smith signed with the Cleveland Browns practice squad on September 25, 2024, and was promoted to the active roster on November 16, 2024. He was waived on November 27 and quickly re-signed to the practice squad, demonstrating the organization’s continued interest in his development. On January 6, 2025, Smith signed a reserve/future contract with Cleveland to remain with the team into the new league year.
On July 16, 2025, Smith announced his retirement from professional football, closing a four-year NFL career that spanned four franchises. His Browns tenure represented the final chapter of his playing days, following seasons spent bouncing between practice squads and active rosters across the league.
Elerson G. Smith Career Stats
Across his NFL career, Elerson G. Smith recorded 13 total tackles and 1 forced fumble, according to his official NFL statistics. These figures reflect the injury challenges and limited game action that shaped his time in the league. He spent meaningful periods on practice squads as well as on injured reserve, limiting his opportunities to build larger career totals.
Elerson G. Smith Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Elerson G. Smith was raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and his Minneapolis roots remained a defining part of his identity throughout his football career. He attended Minneapolis South High School, where his multi-sport background helped lay the foundation for his eventual path to professional football. Public details about his parents and broader family have not been widely documented.
2025 Season Outlook
Smith signed a reserve/future contract with the Cleveland Browns on January 6, 2025, putting him in position to compete for a roster spot during the 2025 offseason program. The Browns’ defensive staff evaluated him as a depth option along the defensive line, with his length and FCS pedigree providing a clear developmental profile. His path to active duty in 2025 depended on his performance during offseason workouts and training camp.
On July 16, 2025, however, Smith announced his retirement from professional football, bringing his playing career to a close. The decision ended a journey that began at Minneapolis South High School, continued through a standout career at Northern Iowa, and concluded across four NFL franchises. While his 2025 on-field production will remain limited, his retirement marks the formal conclusion of a career defined by perseverance through repeated injuries and roster transitions.