Jonnu Smith Bio
Jonnu Andre Smith is an American professional football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Florida International University Panthers and was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. After four seasons with the Titans, Smith joined the New England Patriots in 2021. He was later traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2023 before signing with the Miami Dolphins in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Jonnu Smith was born on August 22, 1995, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was raised in North Philadelphia by his parents, Wayne and Karen Smith, and is the youngest of six children. Smith faced many challenges during his upbringing, including the arrest of his brother and the death of a close friend. Due to safety concerns, he moved in with his maternal aunt and uncle in Ocala, Florida, where he began playing Pop Warner football at the age of five. Smith attended West Port High School, where he started playing high school football and eventually earned a scholarship to Florida International University.
Path to American Football
At Florida International University, Jonnu Smith majored in liberal studies and played college football from 2013 to 2016. During his freshman year, he played 12 games, recording 39 receptions for 388 yards and two touchdowns. His sophomore year was particularly notable, as he had 61 receptions for 710 yards and eight touchdowns, earning him a First-team All-Conference USA selection in 2014. Smith continued to develop his skills over his college career, culminating in an invitation to the 2017 Senior Bowl, although he was overshadowed by other tight ends considered higher draft prospects.
Jonnu Smith Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
Jonnu Smith was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft as the 100th overall pick. He signed a four-year contract worth $3.1 million, which included a signing bonus of $706,288. Smith made his NFL debut in the 2017 season opener against the Oakland Raiders, where he recorded his first touchdown on a 32-yard screen pass. Over his rookie season, he finished with 18 receptions for 157 yards and two touchdowns. The Titans made the playoffs that year, and Smith contributed with two receptions in the Wild Card Round against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Breakthrough (2021–2022)
After four seasons with the Titans, Jonnu Smith signed a four-year, $50 million contract with the New England Patriots in March 2021. He made his debut in the season opener against the Miami Dolphins, finishing with five receptions for 42 yards. Smith had a solid first season with the Patriots, recording 28 receptions for 294 yards and one touchdown. In 2022, he served as the backup tight end and finished the season with 27 receptions for 245 yards.
Notable Works and Milestones
Smith’s career highlights include being selected to the Pro Bowl in 2024 and earning First-team All-Conference USA honors in 2014. He has established himself as a reliable tight end, contributing significantly to his teams’ offensive strategies.
Jonnu Smith Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jonnu Smith has received notable nominations, including his selection to the Pro Bowl in 2024, showcasing his skills and contributions to the game.
Jonnu Smith Awards Won
Jonnu Smith has won several awards during his career, including the Pro Bowl selection in 2024 and First-team All-Conference USA in 2014, highlighting his impact as a player in the NFL.
Jonnu Smith Family
Jonnu Smith was raised in a large family, being the youngest of six children. His father, Wayne, tragically passed away in a work-related accident when Jonnu was four years old, leaving his mother, Karen, to raise the children alone. Smith credits his mother for his successes and emphasizes the strength and resilience she instilled in him.
Personal Life
Jonnu Smith is a Christian and has spoken about the importance of faith in his life. He has faced personal challenges, including the loss of his best friend, Willie “Quasim” Jefferson, to gun violence. Smith also experienced a significant incident during his college years involving an altercation with his girlfriend, which resulted in injuries that sidelined him for the remainder of his senior season. Despite these challenges, Smith has remained focused on his career and personal growth.
