Durham Smythe Bio
Durham Smythe is an American professional football tight end who currently plays for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 9, 1995, in Havertown, Pennsylvania, Smythe developed his football skills in Texas before becoming a four-year starter at the University of Notre Dame. The Miami Dolphins selected him in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft with the 123rd overall pick. After spending seven seasons with the Dolphins, Smythe joined the Chicago Bears in 2025, bringing his blocking ability and veteran experience to the franchise.
Early Life and Background
Durham Smythe grew up in Havertown, Pennsylvania, before his family relocated to Texas. He attended Belton High School in Belton, Texas, where he played high school football and developed into a promising tight end prospect. His combination of size and athleticism made him a standout at the high school level, setting the foundation for his collegiate career.
During his time at Belton High School, Smythe established himself as a versatile player capable of contributing both as a receiver and as a blocker. His performance in high school caught the attention of college programs across the country, ultimately leading him to accept a scholarship to play at the University of Notre Dame.
Path to the NFL
Smythe enrolled at the University of Notre Dame in 2013 and immediately began his journey toward professional football. He played for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 2013 to 2017, developing his skills under the college program’s coaching staff. Over his four years at Notre Dame, Smythe appeared in numerous games and refined his technique as both a receiving tight end and a blocking specialist.
His college career produced solid statistics, with Smythe totaling 28 receptions for 381 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. While not the leading receiver on the team, his contributions in the passing game and reliability as a blocker made him a valuable member of the Fighting Irish offense. His performance throughout his collegiate career demonstrated the consistency and work ethic that would serve him well in the NFL.
Entering the 2018 NFL Draft, Smythe projected as a reliable tight end prospect with upside as a blocker at the professional level. NFL scouts recognized his physical tools and football intelligence, making him an intriguing mid-round selection for teams seeking depth at the tight end position.
Durham Smythe Career
Miami Dolphins (2018–2024)
The Miami Dolphins selected Durham Smythe in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft with the 123rd overall pick. The Dolphins acquired this selection from the Cleveland Browns in the trade that sent wide receiver Jarvis Landry to Cleveland. Smythe entered the NFL with high expectations as a Day Three draft pick with starter potential.
He made his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2018 season against the Tennessee Titans, officially beginning his professional career. Throughout his rookie season, Smythe saw limited offensive targets but recorded his first two career receptions in Week 12 against the Indianapolis Colts. He finished the 2018 campaign with six receptions for 50 receiving yards, primarily contributing on special teams and as an extra blocker.
In the 2019 season, Smythe took a significant step forward in his development. He appeared in all 16 games, earning starts in 14 of them, which demonstrated the coaching staff’s confidence in his abilities. He finished the season with seven receptions for 65 receiving yards, continuing to establish himself as a reliable depth piece in the Dolphins’ offense.
2020–2022 Breakthrough
The 2020 season marked a turning point in Smythe’s career when he scored his first professional touchdown. This came in Week 6 on a four-yard reception against the New York Jets. The score represented a milestone for the tight end, validating his continued development as a red-zone threat and versatile receiving option.
Throughout the 2020 season, Smythe appeared in 15 games with 13 starts, recording 26 receptions for 208 yards and two touchdowns. His increased involvement in the offense reflected the Dolphins’ trust in his abilities as both a receiver and blocker. The following year, in 2021, Smythe appeared in all 17 games and started 12, posting career-high numbers with 34 receptions for 357 yards.
On March 22, 2022, Smythe re-signed with the Dolphins on a two-year contract, indicating the team’s desire to retain his services for the long term. In the 2022 season, he appeared in 16 games with 15 starts, catching 15 passes for 129 yards and one touchdown that came in Week 12 against Houston. His consistency and availability made him a reliable presence in the Dolphins’ offense.
Chicago Bears Era (2025–Present)
On March 12, 2025, Smythe signed with the Chicago Bears, beginning a new chapter in his NFL career. After seven seasons with the Miami Dolphins organization, he joined a Bears team looking to build consistency at the tight end position. His veteran experience and blocking ability made him an attractive addition to Chicago’s roster.
During the 2025 season with the Bears, Smythe primarily served as a blocking tight end or fullback, utilizing his experience and physical tools in a specialized role. While his receiving statistics decreased in this capacity, his contributions as a run blocker proved valuable to the team’s offensive identity. The Bears valued his professionalism and versatility, traits he developed throughout his career in Miami.
Driving Style and Strengths
Smythe has built his NFL career on reliability and versatility at the tight end position. His primary strength lies in his blocking ability, where his size and technique allow him to neutralize defensive ends and linebackers in both the running and passing game. Teams have consistently valued his willingness to accept roles that may not generate headline statistics but prove essential to offensive success.
As a receiver, Smythe demonstrates sure hands and solid route-running ability, particularly on short-to-intermediate routes. His 6-foot-5 frame makes him a viable red-zone target, as evidenced by his touchdown production throughout his career. His football intelligence enables him to read defenses and find open spaces in coverage, making him a reliable outlet option for quarterbacks.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Smythe has achieved several meaningful milestones that define his NFL journey. His first professional touchdown in 2020 against the Jets represented a breakthrough moment after years of development. His ability to remain healthy and available, appearing in 15, 16, and 17 games in multiple seasons, demonstrates the durability that NFL teams value in role players.
The contract extension he signed with Miami in April 2023, running through the 2025 season, recognized his consistent contributions to the franchise. His transition from Miami to Chicago in 2025 marked a new challenge, but his willingness to adapt his game to serve his team’s needs exemplifies his professional approach.
Durham Smythe Career Wins
Across his career spanning from 2018 through the 2025 season, Smythe has accumulated solid statistical production as a receiving tight end while establishing himself as a valued blocker at the professional level. His career totals reflect consistency and availability rather than explosive receiving numbers.
NFL Highlights
In his NFL career through the 2025 season, Smythe has recorded 136 receptions for 1,253 receiving yards and 3 receiving touchdowns across regular-season play. His most productive season came in 2021 when he caught 34 passes for 357 yards, showcasing his ability to contribute as a featured receiving option when opportunities arose. The 2023 season also proved productive, as he finished with 35 receptions for 366 yards while appearing in all 17 games.
His first professional touchdown in 2020 against the New York Jets stands as a memorable early-career milestone. Throughout his tenure with the Dolphins, Smythe evolved from a special teams contributor into a reliable starting tight end who could be counted on for consistent production and exceptional blocking ability.
Other Performances
Beyond his regular-season contributions, Smythe has maintained a reputation as a durable and dependable player throughout his NFL career. His ability to stay healthy and available has allowed him to serve as a reliable depth piece and eventual starter at the tight end position. Teams have consistently valued his professional approach to the game and his willingness to do whatever the team needs to win.
Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information regarding Durham Smythe’s family background, including his parents, siblings, or any family connections to professional sports, remains limited. While his surname and athletic career suggest possible family ties to sports, no verified information about family lineage in athletics has been documented in available sources.
Personal Life
Durham Smythe has maintained a relatively private personal life away from the football field. As of available information, details about his marital status, spouse, or children have not been publicly disclosed. He continues to focus on his football career while residing in the Chicago area following his 2025 signing with the Bears. Smythe’s professional approach and dedication to his craft have defined both his early life journey and his NFL career trajectory.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Durham Smythe’s first year with the Chicago Bears following his departure from Miami after seven seasons. Joining a Bears team in transition, Smythe brought veteran experience and a reputation for reliability to a locker room seeking consistent contributors. His signing represented a strategic move by Chicago to add depth and experience at the tight end position.
Throughout the season, Smythe embraced his role as a blocking tight end and fullback, prioritizing team success over individual statistics. While his receiving production decreased compared to his Miami tenure, his contributions in the running game proved valuable to the Bears’ offensive identity. The coaching staff utilized his experience to help develop younger players while expecting steady performance in his specialized role.
The transition from Miami to Chicago required adjustment both on and off the field. Smythe worked to build chemistry with new teammates and coaches while adapting to different offensive schemes and team dynamics. His professionalism and track record of durability gave the Bears confidence in his ability to contribute throughout the season. Looking ahead, Smythe’s veteran presence figures to remain valuable as he continues his NFL career with the Bears organization.