Preston Smith Bio
Preston Demarquis Smith is an American professional football defensive end for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 17, 1992, in Atlanta, Georgia, he played college football for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, where he had a notable career. He was selected by the Washington Redskins in the second round of the 2015 NFL draft and has also played for the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers. Throughout his career, Smith has been recognized for his impactful performances on the field, contributing to various team successes.
Early Life and Background
Preston Smith was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and attended Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia. During his high school years, he was rated as a two-star recruit by 247sports.com and Scout.com, and a three-star recruit by Rivals.com. After considering offers from several colleges, he chose to play for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, where he would further develop his skills as a football player.
Path to American Football
Smith began his college football career at Mississippi State in 2011, appearing in eight games as a true freshman. He made an immediate impact, recording a forced fumble in a significant win against Ole Miss. Over the following years, he continued to improve, leading the Bulldogs with 4.5 sacks in 2012 and earning the Southeastern Conference Defensive Lineman of the Week award multiple times in 2014. By the end of his college career, he was projected as a fourth-round pick in the 2015 NFL draft.
Preston Smith Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
The Washington Redskins selected Preston Smith in the second round with the 38th overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft. He signed a four-year contract worth $5.77 million, which included a signing bonus of $2.46 million. Smith made his professional debut in the season opener against the Miami Dolphins, where he recorded two solo tackles and his first career sack. Throughout his rookie season, he showcased his potential, finishing with eight sacks and earning the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week award.
Breakthrough (2019–2024)
In March 2019, Smith signed a four-year, $52 million contract with the Green Bay Packers. He made an immediate impact, recording 5 tackles and 1.5 sacks in his debut against the Chicago Bears. His standout performance in Week 3 against the Denver Broncos, where he sacked Joe Flacco three times, earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Smith continued to excel, finishing his first season with the Packers with 12 sacks and solidifying his reputation as a top defensive player.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Preston Smith has achieved significant milestones, including being named First-team All-SEC in 2014 and earning multiple accolades for his defensive performances. His ability to adapt to different defensive schemes has allowed him to remain a valuable player in the NFL.
Preston Smith Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Preston Smith has received recognition for his contributions on the field, including being named to various All-SEC teams during his college career and earning NFL honors for his performances.
Preston Smith Awards Won
Preston Smith has won several awards throughout his career, including the First-team All-SEC in 2014, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.
Preston Smith Family
Information regarding Preston Smith’s family background is limited. There are no publicly available details about his parents or siblings.
Personal Life
Preston Smith has maintained a private personal life, with limited information available regarding his marital status or children. He continues to focus on his professional career with the Washington Commanders.