Ihmir Smith-Marsette Bio
Ihmir Smith-Marsette is an American professional football wide receiver and punt returner for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He has also played for the Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs, and he became a Super Bowl champion in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Ihmir Smith-Marsette was born on August 29, 1999, in Newark, New Jersey. He began his education at St. Benedict’s Preparatory School, where he played water polo before transferring to Weequahic High School after his freshman year. During his senior year at Weequahic, Smith-Marsette had an impressive season, recording 38 receptions for 773 yards and 13 touchdowns, along with significant contributions on defense. He was a 3-star recruit and chose to play college football at the University of Iowa over offers from other schools such as Boston College, Minnesota, and Rutgers.
Path to American Football
Smith-Marsette’s college career at Iowa was marked by steady improvement. In his freshman season, he caught 18 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns. As a sophomore, he increased his production with 28 receptions for 361 yards and two touchdowns. His junior year was particularly notable, as he caught 44 passes for 722 yards and five touchdowns, while also contributing on the ground and in the return game. In his senior season, despite a shortened schedule, he recorded 25 receptions for 345 yards and three touchdowns, with two touchdowns coming in his final college game.
Ihmir Smith-Marsette Career
Early Career (2021)
Ihmir Smith-Marsette was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, being the 157th overall pick. He signed a four-year rookie contract with the Vikings on May 13, 2021. He made his NFL debut in the 2021 season and recorded his first career receiving touchdown in Week 15 against the Chicago Bears. However, his time with the Vikings was short-lived, as he was waived on August 31, 2022, following the team’s acquisition of Jalen Reagor.
Breakthrough (2022-2023)
After being claimed off waivers by the Chicago Bears on September 1, 2022, Smith-Marsette had a brief stint with the team before being waived again in October. He then joined the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad on October 21, 2022, and was elevated to the active roster for the season finale against the Las Vegas Raiders. Smith-Marsette achieved significant success with the Chiefs, becoming a Super Bowl champion when the team won Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles on February 12, 2023. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Chiefs on February 15, 2023.
Notable Works and Milestones
In 2023, Smith-Marsette was traded to the Carolina Panthers, where he made an immediate impact by returning a punt 79 yards for a touchdown on November 9, 2023. This marked the Panthers’ first punt return for a score since 2017. On March 12, 2024, he re-signed with the Panthers under a one-year contract but was released on August 28, 2024.
Ihmir Smith-Marsette Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Ihmir Smith-Marsette has received notable accolades, including being named the Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year in 2018 and earning First-team All-Big Ten honors that same year. He also became a Super Bowl champion in 2023.
Ihmir Smith-Marsette Awards Won
Ihmir Smith-Marsette’s most significant achievement is winning the Super Bowl in 2023 with the Kansas City Chiefs. He has also been recognized for his exceptional performance in college football, receiving awards such as the Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year and First-team All-Big Ten in 2018.
Ihmir Smith-Marsette Family
Information regarding Ihmir Smith-Marsette’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Ihmir Smith-Marsette’s personal life, including relationships or children, are not publicly disclosed. However, it is known that he faced legal issues in November 2020 when he was arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, resulting in a suspension from the team for the following game against Michigan State.