Roquan Smith Bio
Roquan Daevon Smith, born on April 8, 1997, is an American professional football linebacker currently playing for the Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League (NFL). A standout player during his college career at the University of Georgia, he distinguished himself by winning the Butkus Award, marking him as the first Georgia Bulldog to achieve this honor. Drafted eighth overall by the Chicago Bears in the 2018 NFL Draft, Smith quickly established his reputation as an elite linebacker, earning numerous accolades, including multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors. Known for his sharp football instincts and impressive tackling abilities, Smith continues to be a key player for the Ravens, where he signed a landmark contract extension in early 2023.
Early Life and Background
Roquan Smith was born in Marshallville, Georgia, where he was introduced to organized football at the age of six. His early exposure to the sport came through youth football leagues, where his coaches often had to keep a copy of his birth certificate on file to address claims that he was too old to play. Smith attended Macon County High School in Montezuma, Georgia, where he played for the Bulldogs and began to showcase his talent on the football field. Initially, he committed to play college football at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), but later changed his commitment to the University of Georgia.
Path to American Football
At the University of Georgia, Roquan Smith played under head coaches Mark Richt and Kirby Smart. He made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2015, participating in 12 games and recording 20 tackles. His performance improved significantly in his sophomore year, where he started 10 of 13 games and recorded 95 tackles. In 2017, Smith’s stellar performance earned him the title of SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and he became the first Georgia Bulldog to win the Butkus Award. After this successful college career, he decided to forgo his final year of eligibility and declared for the 2018 NFL Draft.
Roquan Smith Career
Early Career (2018-2022)
Roquan Smith was selected by the Chicago Bears with the eighth overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. His contract signing was delayed due to disputes over contract language regarding guaranteed money. Eventually, he signed a fully guaranteed four-year contract worth $18.47 million, making him the last first-round pick in his draft class to sign. In his NFL debut against the Green Bay Packers, Smith recorded a sack on his first career snap, showcasing his immediate impact in the league. He finished his rookie season with 121 tackles, five sacks, and one interception, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Breakthrough (2022-Present)
After four seasons with the Chicago Bears, Roquan Smith was traded to the Baltimore Ravens on October 31, 2022. His first season with the Ravens was remarkable, as he was named AFC Defensive Player of the Month for December and earned first-team All-Pro honors. He finished the 2022 season with 169 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, and three interceptions. On January 10, 2023, Smith signed a five-year, $100 million contract extension with the Ravens, making him the highest-paid linebacker in the league. In May 2023, he made headlines by changing his jersey number to ‘0’, becoming the first player in Ravens history to wear that number.
Notable Works and Milestones
Roquan Smith’s career is marked by numerous accolades, including multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors. He has been recognized for his outstanding performance on the field, including being named to the Sporting News first-team All-Pro team and the Associated Press’s second-team All-Pro. His impressive statistics include a total of 1,129 tackles, 21.5 sacks, and 10 interceptions as of the end of the 2025 season.
Roquan Smith Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Roquan Smith has received multiple nominations for prestigious awards, reflecting his status as one of the top linebackers in the NFL.
Roquan Smith Awards Won
Roquan Smith has won several awards during his career, including the Butkus Award, which he received both in college and as a professional player. He has also been named to the Pro Bowl multiple times and has earned All-Pro honors, solidifying his reputation as an elite player in the league.
Roquan Smith Family
Information regarding Roquan Smith’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
In May 2018, shortly after being drafted, Smith’s car was burglarized in Athens, Georgia, where some of his personal belongings were stolen. Fortunately, the stolen items were recovered the following day. Smith’s personal life remains relatively private, with limited public information available.
