Jonnu Smith

Jonnu Andre Smith Bio

Jonnu Andre Smith is an American professional football tight end who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. Born on August 22, 1995, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Smith has established himself as one of the more reliable receiving threats at the tight end position throughout his NFL career. He played college football at Florida International University before the Tennessee Titans selected him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Over his career, Smith has played for five NFL franchises, developing a reputation as a versatile weapon in both the passing and running games.

Early Life and Background

Smith grew up in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the youngest of six children. His father, Wayne Smith, died in a work-related tow truck accident when Jonnu was just four years old. His mother, Karen Smith, raised all six children on her own following the tragedy. Smith began playing Pop Warner football at age five, showing early promise as a football player. The family faced significant challenges in Philadelphia, including violence that affected Smith’s brother and friends.

For his own safety and future opportunities, Smith moved to Ocala, Florida, to live with his maternal aunt and uncle. He attended West Port High School in Florida, where he continued developing his football skills. Despite not being a highly-touted recruit coming out of high school, Smith’s work ethic and talent eventually earned him a scholarship to continue his football career at the collegiate level.

College Career at Florida International University

Smith played for the FIU Panthers from 2013 to 2016, majoring in liberal studies. As a freshman in 2013, he appeared in 12 games and recorded 39 receptions for 388 yards and two touchdowns. His sophomore season in 2014 proved to be his most productive college year, as he caught 61 passes for 710 yards and eight touchdowns, earning First-team All-Conference USA honors. His junior year was cut short due to injury, as he played only eight games with 36 receptions for 397 yards and four touchdowns. As a senior in 2016, Smith recorded 42 receptions for 506 yards and four touchdowns in 11 games.

Smith was invited to play in the 2017 Senior Bowl, where he competed against other top tight end prospects. His performance at the NFL Scouting Combine impressed scouts, placing him among the top performers at his position in several drills including second in the vertical jump and short shuttle, tied for third in the bench press, fourth in the broad jump, and sixth in the 40-yard dash among tight ends.

Jonnu Andre Smith Career

Tennessee Titans (2017-2020)

The Titans selected Smith in the third round with the 100th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year, $3.1 million contract in May 2017. Smith made his NFL debut in the season-opening loss to the Oakland Raiders and scored his first professional touchdown the following week against the Jacksonville Jaguars on a 32-yard screen pass from Marcus Mariota. He finished his rookie season with 18 receptions for 157 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games with 13 starts. The Titans made the playoffs that year, and Smith contributed in the Wild Card victory over the Kansas City Chiefs before suffering a torn MCL in the Divisional Round against the New England Patriots.

In 2018, Smith became the Titans’ top tight end after starter Delanie Walker suffered a dislocated ankle in the season opener. Though he initially struggled to fill Walker’s role, Smith finished with 20 receptions for 258 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games. The following year, he set career highs with 35 receptions for 439 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing four times for 78 yards. The Titans returned to the playoffs, and Smith scored a notable one-handed touchdown in the Divisional Round victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

Smith had his best statistical season in 2020, setting career highs with 41 receptions for 448 yards and eight receiving touchdowns to go along with two rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. The Titans finished 11-5 and topped the AFC South, though they lost in the Wild Card Round to the Ravens.

New England Patriots (2021-2022)

On March 19, 2021, Smith signed a four-year, $50 million contract with the New England Patriots. He appeared in 16 games with 11 starts in his first season in New England, recording 28 receptions for 294 yards and one touchdown. The Patriots made the playoffs with a 10-7 record but lost in the Wild Card Round to the Buffalo Bills. In 2022, Smith served as the backup to Hunter Henry, finishing with 27 receptions for 245 yards in 14 games with eight starts.

Atlanta Falcons (2023)

On March 15, 2023, Smith was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a 2023 seventh-round draft pick. The trade reunited him with head coach Arthur Smith, who had previously served as his tight end coach and offensive coordinator during his time in Tennessee. Smith had a productive season with the Falcons, recording a career-high 50 receptions for 582 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games with six starts. He was released by the Falcons on February 27, 2024.

Miami Dolphins (2024)

Smith signed with the Miami Dolphins on March 7, 2024, on a two-year, $10 million contract. He had a breakout season, setting career highs with 88 receptions for 884 yards and eight receiving touchdowns in 17 games with six starts. His performance earned him a selection to the Pro Bowl. He caught a touchdown in four of the final five games of the regular season and showed consistent chemistry with Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throughout the season.

Pittsburgh Steelers (2025-Present)

On June 30, 2025, Smith was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers along with Jalen Ramsey and a 2027 seventh-round pick in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. This trade reunited Smith for the second time with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. He made his Steelers debut in the season-opening victory over the New York Jets, catching five passes for 15 yards and a touchdown. Smith continued to contribute throughout the season, including a Thursday Night Football performance against the Cincinnati Bengals and a Monday Night Football victory over his former team, the Dolphins, where he recorded a rushing touchdown.

Playing Style and Strengths

Smith is known for his versatility as a tight end, capable of lining up in multiple positions across the offensive formation. His reliable hands and ability to create yards after the catch make him a valuable asset in short-to-intermediate passing situations. Smith also contributes in the running game, occasionally lining up as a fullback or H-back. His experience playing under multiple offensive systems has helped him develop into a well-rounded player who can adapt to different schemes and quarterbacks.

Notable Achievements

Smith earned his first Pro Bowl selection following his 2024 season with the Miami Dolphins, where he set single-season career highs in receptions and receiving yards. He was named First-team All-Conference USA following his sophomore season at FIU in 2014. Over his NFL career through 2025, Smith has accumulated 345 receptions for 3,529 receiving yards and 196 rushing yards for a combined 32 total touchdowns across the regular season.

Jonnu Andre Smith Career Statistics

Throughout his NFL career spanning from 2017 to 2025, Smith has established himself as a productive starting-caliber tight end. His best statistical seasons came with the Miami Dolphins in 2024 and the Tennessee Titans in 2020, where he set or tied career highs in major receiving categories.

NFL Regular Season Statistics

Smith has played for five NFL teams over nine seasons, accumulating 345 career receptions for 3,529 receiving yards and 196 rushing yards. He has scored 32 total touchdowns in his NFL career, with 30 receiving touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns. His 2024 season with the Dolphins marked his most prolific receiving campaign, while his 2020 season with the Titans showcased his red-zone prowess with eight receiving touchdowns.

Jonnu Andre Smith Family

Family Background

Smith was raised in North Philadelphia by his parents, Wayne and Karen Smith. His father, Wayne, died when Smith was four years old in a work-related accident, leaving Karen to raise all six children alone. Smith has credited his mother as the foundation of his success, calling her his rock and acknowledging the sacrifices she made to provide for the family. He is the youngest of six siblings. Smith was also deeply affected by the death of his best friend, Willie Jefferson, who was shot and killed in October 2016. Smith honored his late friend by giving his son the middle name Quasim.

Personal Life

Smith is a Christian who has spoken publicly about the role his faith plays in his life, describing it as the foundation of everything he does. He competed in weightlifting during high school, finishing second in the county in the 219-pound weight class. Smith maintains a strong connection to both his Philadelphia roots and his adopted home in Florida. His professional career has taken him across the country, but he remains focused on his craft and his family.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked a new chapter in Smith’s career as he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers through a mid-season trade. The move reunited him with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who had previously worked with him in Tennessee and Atlanta. Smith made an immediate impact in his Steelers debut, catching a touchdown pass in the season-opening victory over the New York Jets. Throughout the season, he provided a reliable receiving option out of the tight end position, contributing consistently to the Steelers’ offensive attack.

Smith continued to showcase his versatility, including a notable Monday Night Football performance against his former team, the Miami Dolphins, where he recorded both receiving and rushing touchdowns. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the offense made him a valuable piece in the Steelers’ playbook. The veteran tight end brought experience from his previous four teams, helping to mentor younger players while maintaining his status as a productive starter in the NFL.

Throughout his career, Smith has demonstrated the ability to bounce back from adversity and remain productive despite frequent changes in teams and systems. His 2025 campaign with the Steelers exemplified this resilience, as he adjusted quickly to a new offense and contributed to the team’s success. As Smith continues his NFL career, he remains one of the more consistent and reliable tight ends in the league, with a track record of production across multiple franchises.