Stone Smartt Bio
Stone Cole Smartt (born October 4, 1998) is an American professional football tight end in the National Football League (NFL). After going undrafted in 2022, he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he developed as a depth tight end and contributor on special teams. He later joined the New York Jets in 2025 before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2026. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 226 pounds, Smartt combines the frame and athleticism of a pass-catching tight end with the versatility to contribute across multiple offensive packages.
Early Life and Background
Stone Cole Smartt was born on October 4, 1998, in Sacramento, California. He grew up in nearby Loomis, California, where he attended Del Oro High School. During his time at Del Oro, Smartt distinguished himself as a two-sport athlete, excelling in both football and basketball. On the gridiron, he played quarterback and threw for 3,021 yards from scrimmage with 29 touchdowns, leading the Golden Eagles to the 2015–16 Division II-AA State title with a 16-13 victory over Camarillo. The following season, he guided Del Oro to the Division 1-A state championship game against San Clemente.
Off the football field, Smartt was an established point guard for the Del Oro boys basketball team, showcasing the competitiveness and court awareness that would later translate to his football career. His success as a high school quarterback attracted college attention, and in 2017 he committed to Northern Arizona University to play college football. Smartt is of Taiwanese descent through his grandmother, who was born in Taiwan, adding a rich cultural layer to his family background.
Path to American Football
Smartt’s path to professional football began as a true freshman at Northern Arizona University in 2017, where he appeared in just two games. Seeking a larger role, he transferred to Riverside City College in 2018, where his career took off. Playing 12 games for the Tigers, he completed 177 of 277 passes for 2,754 yards and 31 touchdowns, while also rushing for 583 yards and nine scores. He led California junior college quarterbacks in passing efficiency and earned First-Team NJCAA All-American honors.
His junior college accolades also included the SoCal Regional Playoff MVP, the SCFA Offensive Player of the Year, and the California State Offensive Player of the Year. He set Riverside City school records for completions in a season, highest completion percentage, most passing yards in a season and career, and most touchdown passes in a quarter. He was also named the NJCAA Athletic Bureau Offensive Player of the Year. In 2019, Smartt transferred to Old Dominion University, where he eventually transitioned from quarterback to wide receiver in 2021, beginning the position change that would define his professional trajectory.
Stone Smartt Career
Early Career (2022–2024)
After going unselected in the 2022 NFL draft, Stone Cole Smartt signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent. His size and athletic profile made him an intriguing project at tight end, and the Chargers worked to refine his skills as both a blocker and a pass catcher. Over his three seasons in Los Angeles, he operated primarily as a third tight end on the depth chart and a contributor on special teams, steadily building the foundation of his professional resume.
Through the 2024 season, Smartt’s career NFL statistics included 31 receptions for 380 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown, reflecting his growth into a reliable depth piece. His time with the Chargers allowed him to adjust to the speed and complexity of the professional game, learn from veteran tight ends, and showcase the special teams value that helped him earn a larger role elsewhere.
Los Angeles Chargers Breakthrough (2022–2024)
Smartt’s tenure with the Los Angeles Chargers represented his introduction to the NFL. Although he did not enter the league as a starter, his size, versatility, and football IQ allowed him to carve out a role on offense and special teams. The Chargers used him in jumbo packages and as a motion tight end, leveraging his basketball background and athleticism to create matchup problems for opposing defenses. By his third season, he had become a steady presence in the locker room and on game-day rosters.
New York Jets Era (2025)
On March 17, 2025, Stone Cole Smartt signed with the New York Jets, beginning a new chapter in his career. With the Jets, he made 15 appearances during the season, recording seven receptions for 52 yards. Although he did not find the end zone, his reliability as a blocker and his steady hands made him a trusted part of the tight end rotation. The Jets valued his experience and special teams contributions, and he continued to develop as a complementary pass catcher in their offensive scheme.
Philadelphia Eagles Era (2026–Present)
On March 23, 2026, Stone Cole Smartt signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, joining one of the most competitive rosters in the NFL. His move to Philadelphia places him in an offense known for utilizing multiple tight end sets and creative personnel groupings, an environment well suited to his athletic skill set. The Eagles’ investment in Smartt reflects confidence in his continued development and the versatility he brings as a former college quarterback transitioning fully into the tight end role.
Driving Style and Strengths
Stone Cole Smartt plays the tight end position with the polish of a former quarterback and the mobility of a former wide receiver. His background as a signal-caller gives him a strong understanding of offensive concepts, route combinations, and pre-snap reads. At 6 feet 4 inches and 226 pounds, he presents a sizable target in the red zone and the ability to align in multiple positions across the formation. His basketball background contributes to his body control and contested-catch ability, while his work on special teams demonstrates his overall football toughness and dependability.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Stone Cole Smartt’s most notable achievements is his recognition as a First-Team NJCAA All-American in 2018 while at Riverside City College, where he set multiple school records and earned a series of regional and national awards. His career NFL totals through 2024 include 31 receptions for 380 yards and one touchdown, with continued production through his stops with the Jets and the Eagles adding to his professional body of work.
Stone Smartt Career Wins
Stone Cole Smartt’s career accomplishments are anchored in his dominant 2018 junior college season and his steady climb through the NFL. While his professional win totals are still being built, his individual accolades at Riverside City College established him as one of the top junior college quarterbacks in the country. He has since translated that success into a multi-year NFL career spanning the Los Angeles Chargers, New York Jets, and Philadelphia Eagles.
Collegiate and Professional Highlights
At Riverside City College, Stone Cole Smartt earned First-Team NJCAA All-American honors, the SCFA Offensive Player of the Year, the California State Offensive Player of the Year, the SoCal Regional Playoff MVP, and the NJCAA Athletic Bureau Offensive Player of the Year. He also set school records for completions, completion percentage, passing yards, and touchdown passes in a quarter. In the NFL, his career totals through 2024 include 31 receptions for 380 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown, with his 2025 campaign with the New York Jets adding seven receptions for 52 yards.
Stone Smartt Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Stone Cole Smartt’s family background includes Taiwanese heritage through his grandmother, who was born in Taiwan. This cultural connection is part of the diverse identity that shapes his story as an American professional athlete. While details about his immediate family remain private, his upbringing in Loomis, California, and the values instilled through his family helped him develop the discipline and work ethic that have defined his football career.
Personal Life
Stone Cole Smartt keeps much of his personal life private. He has built his public persona around his work on the football field, with his professional social media presence offering occasional glimpses into his training and team life. As he continues his NFL journey with the Philadelphia Eagles, he remains focused on his craft and his growth as a tight end at the highest level of the sport.
2025 Season Performance
Stone Cole Smartt’s 2025 NFL season was spent with the New York Jets, who signed him on March 17, 2025. He appeared in 15 games during the campaign, establishing himself as a dependable depth tight end and special teams contributor. He recorded seven receptions for 52 receiving yards, providing a steady underneath target and reliable blocking in both the run and pass game.
While his statistical production was modest, Smartt’s value to the Jets extended beyond the box score. His experience in the Chargers’ system, his football intelligence as a former quarterback, and his work on special teams made him a trusted piece of the roster. His ability to align in multiple positions gave the Jets flexibility in their offensive packages, and his steady presence helped stabilize the tight end room throughout the year.
Heading into 2025 and beyond, Smartt’s continued development as a pass-catching tight end remains a focal point. His transition from Philadelphia Eagles in 2026 underscores the league’s belief in his upside and versatility. With his size, athleticism, and growing familiarity with NFL systems, Smartt is positioned to expand his role and contribute in larger ways as his career progresses.