Roquan Smith

Roquan Smith is an American professional football linebacker widely regarded as one of the elite defensive talents in the National Football League (NFL). A native of Montezuma, Georgia, Smith played collegiately for the University of Georgia Bulldogs, where he became the first Georgia player ever to win the prestigious Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2017. After a standout junior season that also earned him unanimous All‑America honors, Smith declared for the 2018 NFL Draft and was selected eighth overall by the Chicago Bears, beginning a career defined by physicality, instincts, and leadership.

Smith quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Bears’ defense, leading the team in tackles as a rookie and earning multiple Pro Bowl and All‑Pro recognitions. In October 2022, he was traded to the Baltimore Ravens, where he continued his ascent as one of the game’s premier linebackers. He signed a five‑year contract extension with the Ravens that made him one of the highest‑paid players at his position, underscoring his value as a defensive leader.

Across his NFL career, Smith has been selected to multiple Pro Bowls and named an All‑Pro several times, reflecting his consistency and impact at the highest level. In 2025 he was ranked No. 40 on the league’s NFL Top 100 list by his peers, a marker of his elite status among active players.

Known for his range, tackling ability, and football intellect, Smith serves as a defensive signal‑caller for Baltimore and is central to the Ravens’ efforts to build one of the league’s toughest defenses. Off the field, he is the founder of the Roquan Smith Foundation, which focuses on community support and youth development in his home region, reflecting his commitment to giving back.