Xavier Smith Bio
Xavier Smith is an American professional football wide receiver and return specialist for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 21, 1997, in Haines City, Florida, Smith played college football for the Florida A&M Rattlers before signing with the Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Despite being undersized and overlooked throughout his football journey, Smith worked his way from a walk-on at Florida A&M to earning a spot on an NFL roster, demonstrating remarkable persistence and determination. He wears jersey number 19 for the Rams, the same number his brother Kareem wore during his time with the Rattlers.
Early Life and Background
Smith attended Ridge Community High School before transferring to Haines City High School, where he played running back. Standing at just 5 feet 9 inches and weighing approximately 155 pounds during his high school years, Smith did not fit the typical physical profile that college football programs seek. He finished high school without receiving any scholarship offers to play college football.
After graduating from Haines City High School in 2016, Smith initially stepped away from football and spent time working for Amazon. Despite the lack of interest from college programs, Smith refused to abandon his dream of playing at the next level. He created a highlight film of his high school performances and personally contacted over 100 college coaches seeking an opportunity, but received no positive responses.
Path to Professional Football
Smith enrolled at Florida A&M University in 2017 at the suggestion of his mother, who had previously attended the school. After being accepted, he tried out for the Florida A&M Rattlers football team as a walk-on and ultimately earned a spot on the roster. His brother, Kareem, had previously played for the Rattlers, which provided Smith with familiarity and motivation as he began his collegiate journey.
Smith redshirted as a true freshman in 2017, serving primarily on the scout team while transitioning from running back to wide receiver. This position change would prove pivotal to his future success. The 2018 season marked his breakout year, as he recorded 52 receptions for 727 yards, leading the team in both categories and earning second-team All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) honors. The following season in 2019, Smith elevated his game significantly, compiling 77 catches for 1,159 yards and 11 touchdowns while ranking among the top receivers nationally in multiple categories.
Xavier Smith Career
Florida A&M Years (2017–2022)
Smith’s 2019 campaign was particularly impressive, as he ranked fifth nationally in receiving yards per game, ninth in receptions per game, 10th in receiving yards, and 16th in touchdown catches. These standout performances earned him first-team All-MEAC recognition, BoxToRow All-American honors, second-team American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-American selection, and HERO Sports sophomore All-American accolades. The 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ending his collegiate career with 44 games played and 193 receptions for 2,599 yards.
In his final two seasons, Smith continued to be a reliable target for the Rattlers. During the 2021 season, he recorded 64 catches for 713 yards and three touchdowns, leading the team in receiving and placing sixth in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). As a senior in 2022, he caught 87 passes for 1,021 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning HBCU All-American and All-SWAC honors while leading the conference in receiving. Following the 2022 season, Smith participated in the HBCU Legacy Bowl all-star game, where he caught six passes for 85 yards and a touchdown, earning offensive MVP honors.
Los Angeles Rams Journey (2023–Present)
Despite a productive college career, Smith went unselected in the 2023 NFL Draft. He signed with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent but was waived during final roster cuts before being re-signed to the practice squad. Smith spent the entire 2023 season on the practice squad and signed a reserve/future contract with the Rams on January 16, 2024, securing his place on the organization moving forward.
Smith was waived again on August 27, 2024, but quickly rejoined the practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster on September 21, 2024, and made his NFL debut the following day in Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers. In his debut, Smith made an immediate impact with a 38-yard punt return to midfield with under a minute remaining, helping set up the Rams’ game-winning field goal. He was signed to the active roster on October 17, 2024, cementing his place on the 53-man roster.
Playing Style and Strengths
Smith brings versatility to the Rams’ special teams unit as both a return specialist and wide receiver. His ability to make plays in space and his elusiveness in the open field have translated well to the NFL level. Despite his smaller stature, Smith’s competitiveness and determination, qualities forged through years of overcoming doubters, contribute to his effectiveness as a punt and kick returner. His experience transitioning from running back to wide receiver in college developed his route-running versatility and ability to create yards after the catch.
Notable Moments and Career Milestones
Smith’s journey from an undrafted free agent with no Division I offers to an active NFL roster player represents his most significant achievement. His debut performance against the San Francisco 49ers, where his clutch punt return helped secure a victory, marked his arrival as a professional. However, the 2025 season included challenges, as Smith faced criticism following a muffed punt in the NFC Championship game against the Seattle Seahawks that led to a decisive Seahawks touchdown in a game the Rams lost.
Xavier Smith Career Statistics
Smith has appeared in multiple games for the Los Angeles Rams, contributing as both a receiver and return specialist during his time on the active roster.
NFL Regular Season Highlights
Through his first two seasons with the Rams, Smith has recorded 20 receptions for 309 receiving yards, adding 36 rushing yards and 856 return yards. His contributions on special teams have been particularly notable, with his return ability providing the Rams with field position advantages throughout games. The 2025 season represented his most extensive action, as he earned a more prominent role on the active roster following his mid-season promotion in 2024.
Xavier Smith Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Football runs in the Smith family, as Smith’s brother, Kareem Smith, previously played for the Florida A&M Rattlers. Following in his brother’s footsteps, Xavier chose to attend Florida A&M and wore jersey number 19, the same number Kareem had worn during his collegiate career. This family connection provided Xavier with a direct link to the program and motivated him throughout his journey.
Personal Life
Smith maintains a presence on social media, where he connects with fans through his Twitter account. His story of perseverance from high school walk-on to NFL player has inspired many who follow his career. The support and guidance of his mother, who encouraged him to apply to Florida A&M, played a crucial role in his path to professional football.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Smith’s first full year on an NFL active roster following his mid-season promotion in 2024. Smith appeared in numerous games for the Rams, contributing as a reserve receiver and primary return specialist. His speed and ability to make plays in space made him a valuable asset on special teams, where his returns provided consistent field position for the offense throughout the season.
The Rams advanced to the NFC Championship game during the 2025 season, where they faced the Seattle Seahawks. Smith’s role in the game included punt return duties, though the game ended with a muffed punt that drew criticism. Despite the challenging ending to the season, Smith’s trajectory from undrafted free agent to playoff contributor represented significant growth in his professional career.
Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, the Rams demonstrated their commitment to Smith by announcing on March 2, 2026, that they were tendering him as an exclusive rights free agent. This move ensured Smith would remain with the organization for the foreseeable future, providing him the opportunity to continue developing his game with the Rams.