Jonnu Smith Bio
Jonnu Andre Smith, born on August 22, 1995, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an American professional football tight end currently playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) and weighing 248 lb (112 kg), Smith is known for his physical presence and reliable hands at the tight end position. He played college football for the FIU Panthers and was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft.
Over the course of his professional career, Smith has suited up for the Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, and Pittsburgh Steelers. He earned Pro Bowl honors following the 2024 season and is widely respected for his blocking, route-running, and red-zone production.
Early Life and Background
Jonnu Andre Smith was raised in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by his parents, Wayne and Karen Smith. He is the youngest of six children. When Smith was born, his mother Karen was pressed by hospital staff to choose a name quickly. After a moment of prayer, she settled on the name Jonnu, a decision that would come to define a memorable career in professional football.
Smith endured significant hardship during his childhood in Philadelphia. After his brother was arrested and one of his friends was killed, the family lacked the financial resources to relocate. For his own safety, Smith moved in with his maternal aunt and uncle in Ocala, Florida. He began playing Pop Warner football at age five, laying the foundation for his future in the sport.
Smith’s father, Wayne, died in a work-related tow truck accident at age 40 when Jonnu was four years old. Following this tragedy, Karen raised all six children on her own. Smith has often credited his mother as his rock, recalling that the family always received what they needed, even when times were tough. He later competed in weightlifting and finished second in the county in the 219-pound weight class.
Path to American Football
Smith began playing organized football at West Port High School in Ocala, Florida. Although he was far from a heavily recruited prospect, his performance on the field earned him a scholarship to Florida International University, where he majored in liberal studies. The move from Philadelphia to Florida gave Smith the structure and stability he needed to focus on his athletic development.
As a freshman in 2013, Smith played 12 games and finished with 39 receptions for 388 yards and two touchdowns. He built on that foundation in 2014, hauling in 61 receptions for 710 yards and eight touchdowns, which earned him First-team All-Conference USA honors. His junior season in 2015 saw him play eight games with 36 receptions for 397 yards and four touchdowns, while his senior campaign in 2016 produced 42 receptions for 506 yards and four touchdowns across 11 games.
Smith was invited to the 2017 Senior Bowl, though he was overshadowed by tight ends considered first- and second-round picks. He received an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine, where he finished in the top five among tight ends in most drills, including a second-place finish in the vertical jump and short shuttle, and a sixth-place finish in the 40-yard dash. NFLDraftScout.com ranked him as the tenth best tight end in the draft, while analyst Gil Brandt ranked him twelfth.
Jonnu Smith Career
Early Career (2017–2018)
The Tennessee Titans selected Smith in the third round, 100th overall, of the 2017 NFL draft. He was the sixth tight end taken and the seventh player selected in FIU’s school history. On May 17, 2017, the Titans signed him to a four-year, $3.1 million contract that included a signing bonus of $706,288. Smith competed for playing time behind veteran Delanie Walker during training camp.
Smith made his NFL debut in the season-opening loss to the Oakland Raiders and quickly found the end zone the following week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, scoring his first career touchdown on a 32-yard screen pass from Marcus Mariota. He finished his rookie year with 18 receptions for 157 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games, helping the Titans reach the playoffs. In 2018, Smith became the team’s top tight end after Walker suffered a dislocated ankle. Despite a midseason injury, he recorded 20 receptions for 258 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games.
Tennessee Titans Breakthrough (2019–2020)
Smith returned healthy in 2019 and set career highs at the time with 35 receptions for 439 yards and three touchdowns. He added 78 rushing yards on four carries, showcasing his versatility. During the AFC Divisional Round against the Baltimore Ravens, Smith caught a one-handed touchdown in the Titans’ 28–12 road victory. The Titans then fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.
In 2020, Smith elevated his game further, posting 41 receptions for 448 yards and a career-high eight receiving touchdowns, along with two rushing attempts for four yards and a rushing score. The Titans finished atop the AFC South with an 11–5 record. Smith scored multiple touchdowns in several prime-time games that season, cementing his reputation as a dependable red-zone weapon.
New England Patriots Era (2021–2022)
On March 19, 2021, the New England Patriots signed Smith to a four-year, $50 million deal. He made his Patriots debut in the season-opener against the Miami Dolphins and finished with five receptions for 42 yards and a six-yard carry. Smith recorded his only touchdown of the season three weeks later against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football. He finished the 2021 campaign with 28 receptions for 294 yards and a touchdown in 16 games, helping the Patriots reach the playoffs as a Wild Card team.
In 2022, Smith operated primarily as the backup tight end behind Hunter Henry. He finished the year with 27 receptions for 245 yards in 14 games and eight starts. Although his statistical role diminished, the experience in a New England offense helped round out his game.
Atlanta Falcons Era (2023)
On March 15, 2023, the Atlanta Falcons acquired Smith in a trade that reunited him with head coach Arthur Smith, his former tight ends coach and offensive coordinator in Tennessee. Smith posted a career-high 50 receptions for 582 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games and six starts. He scored in three different games during the season, including a 100-yard performance against the Minnesota Vikings. The Falcons released Smith on February 27, 2024, ending his one-year stint in Atlanta.
Miami Dolphins Era (2024)
On March 7, 2024, Smith signed a two-year, $10 million contract with the Miami Dolphins. He made an immediate impact, setting new career highs with 88 receptions for 884 yards while tying his career high with eight receiving touchdowns in 17 games and six starts. He caught a touchdown in four of the final five regular-season games and earned a Pro Bowl selection for his efforts.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2025–Present)
On June 30, 2025, Smith was traded, along with Jalen Ramsey and a 2027 seventh-round pick, to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. The trade reunited him for the second time with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Smith made his Steelers debut in the 34–32 road victory over the New York Jets, catching five passes for 15 yards and a touchdown. He added another score during a narrow 33–31 road loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football and recorded a rushing touchdown against his former team, the Dolphins, in a Monday Night Football victory.
Driving Style and Strengths
Smith is recognized for his combination of size, strength, and athleticism at the tight end position. He excels as an in-line blocker while also offering mismatch potential as a receiver. His crisp route-running and reliable hands make him a consistent target in the red zone, and his willingness to contribute in the running game adds a versatile dimension to offenses led by Arthur Smith.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Smith’s signature moments is his one-handed touchdown catch against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2019 AFC Divisional Round. He has also recorded multi-touchdown games against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, Las Vegas Raiders, and New England Patriots. His 2024 Pro Bowl selection stands as the most significant individual accolade of his professional career.
Jonnu Smith Career Wins
While tight ends are not typically measured by game victories alone, Smith’s teams have enjoyed several successful campaigns. The Titans reached the AFC Championship Game in 2019 and won the AFC South in 2020. The Patriots qualified for the playoffs in 2021, and the Dolphins advanced to the postseason in 2024.
NFL Career Highlights
Smith has appeared in multiple playoff games across his career, including Wild Card and Divisional Round matchups with the Titans, a Wild Card contest with the Patriots, and postseason play with the Dolphins. He has recorded postseason receptions, a rushing touchdown, and a one-handed playoff touchdown against the Ravens, demonstrating his ability to contribute when the stakes are highest.
Other Performances
At the college level, Smith earned First-team All-Conference USA honors in 2014 after recording 61 receptions for 710 yards and eight touchdowns. He is regarded as one of the most productive tight ends in FIU history, finishing his senior season among the program’s all-time leaders in receptions and receiving yards at the position.
Jonnu Smith Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Smith was raised in a close-knit family led by his mother, Karen Smith, and his late father, Wayne Smith. He is the youngest of six children and grew up with strong Christian values that continue to guide him today. Smith has often spoken publicly about how his faith serves as the foundation of his life and career.
Personal Life
Smith is a devout Christian and has spoken at length about the role of faith in his journey. He named his son Jaiyen with the middle name Quasim, honoring his late best friend Willie Quasim Jefferson, who died from a gunshot in October 2016. Smith continues to honor his mother Karen, who raised six children on her own following the death of his father.
2025 Season Performance
Jonnu Smith joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 after a mid-summer trade that reunited him with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. He made an immediate impact in the season opener against the New York Jets, hauling in a touchdown in the narrow 34–32 road victory. He added another receiving score in a close loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football and contributed a rushing touchdown against his former team, the Miami Dolphins, in a Monday Night Football win.
Smith finished the 2025 regular season with 38 receptions for 222 yards and two touchdowns across the year. His role as a red-zone threat and dependable blocker has helped stabilize the Steelers’ tight end room throughout the season. The reunion with Arthur Smith has provided a familiar offensive scheme in which Smith has continued to produce.
Looking ahead, Smith is signed through the 2027 season as part of a contract that averages roughly $10 million annually. He remains a trusted target in the passing game and an asset in the run game. His veteran presence and playoff experience should continue to play an important role in the Steelers’ offensive plans in 2026 and beyond.
