T.J. Smith

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Image of Player T.J. Smith
Fredrick "T.J." Smith is an American professional football defensive tackle, born April 19, 1997, in Moultrie, Georgia. He played college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks after transferring from North Stanly High School in North Carolina and Colquitt County High School in Georgia. Smith was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020, later playing for the Minnesota Vikings and currently for the Tennessee Titans. His journey showcases his resilience and determination in the NFL.
Full Name :
Fredrick "T. J." Smith
Date of Birth :
19 April 1997
Place of Birth :
Moultrie, Georgia, USA
Nationality :
United States
Height (CM) :
191
Weight (KG) :
136
Parents :
Frederick (Father), Avis (Mother)
Education :
North Stanly (New London, North Carolina) (High School), Colquitt County (Moultrie, Georgia) (High School), Arkansas (College)
Career Started :
2020
Current Team :
Tennessee Titans
Previous Team :
Los Angeles Chargers (From 2020, To 2020), Minnesota Vikings (From 2021, To 2023), Carolina Panthers (From 2024, To 2024)
Drafted Year :
2020
Drafted By :
Los Angeles Chargers

T.J. Smith Bio

Fredrick “T.J.” Smith is an American professional football defensive tackle born on April 19, 1997, in Moultrie, Georgia. He has played in the National Football League (NFL) since 2020, beginning his professional career with the Los Angeles Chargers and currently associated with the Tennessee Titans. Smith’s journey reflects his resilience and determination as he has moved through several teams in the league.

Early Life and Background

Smith was born to Frederick and Avis Smith in Moultrie, Georgia. He attended North Stanly High School in New London, North Carolina, where he earned all-state honors in football. For his senior year, he transferred to Colquitt County High School in Georgia, contributing to the team’s state championship victory. These formative years laid the foundation for his football career.

Path to American Football

Rated as the 142nd best player nationally by ESPN, Smith initially committed to Vanderbilt but ultimately chose to attend the University of Arkansas. He redshirted his freshman year and gradually increased his playing time and impact over his collegiate career. By his sophomore year, he started all twelve games and improved his tackle count significantly, continuing as a starter through his senior year. His consistent performance helped Arkansas achieve a high team tackle total during his tenure.

T.J. Smith Career

Early Career (2020)

After going undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft, Smith was signed by the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent. He spent the entire 2020 season on the Chargers’ practice squad but was released before the 2021 regular season began. This period marked his initial exposure to the professional level and development within an NFL environment.

Minnesota Vikings Era (2021–2023)

Midway through the 2021 season, Smith joined the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad and was elevated to the active roster by week 12. He signed reserve/future contracts with the Vikings in January 2022 and January 2023, reflecting the team’s interest in his continued development. Despite being waived and re-signed multiple times, Smith remained a part of the Vikings’ organization through the 2023 season, gaining valuable playing experience.

Carolina Panthers Era (2024)

In May 2024, Smith signed with the Carolina Panthers. He was waived during roster cuts but re-signed to the practice squad and promoted to the active roster in October. His time with the Panthers involved several roster moves, including releases and re-signings to the practice squad, demonstrating the competitive nature of maintaining an active NFL roster spot.

Tennessee Titans Era (2025–Present)

Smith signed with the Tennessee Titans in August 2025 but was released during preliminary roster cuts shortly after. His current status reflects the ongoing challenges and transitions typical for players striving to secure a stable position in the NFL.

Playing Style and Strengths

As a defensive tackle standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 136 kilograms, Smith brings size and strength to the interior defensive line. His collegiate and professional experiences have honed his tackling ability and run-stopping skills, contributing to team defensive efforts.

Notable Events and Milestones

Smith’s path from undrafted free agent to active NFL roster member across multiple teams highlights his perseverance. Key milestones include his elevation to active rosters and participation in regular-season games, marking important steps in his professional career.

T.J. Smith Career Wins

While specific individual win statistics for Smith as a defensive tackle are not recorded, his contributions to team defenses have supported victories at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels.

College Highlights

Smith’s tenure at Arkansas featured consistent starting roles and significant tackle contributions, aiding the Razorbacks in achieving a high total number of tackles during his junior year. His development at the collegiate level was crucial for his transition to the NFL.

Professional Highlights

Smith’s professional career includes active roster promotions and participation in NFL games with the Minnesota Vikings and Carolina Panthers. These experiences reflect his ability to compete at the highest level of American football.

T.J. Smith Family

Family Background and Lineage

Smith is the son of Frederick and Avis Smith. There is no public information indicating a family history in professional sports.

Personal Life

Details about Smith’s personal life, including marital status or children, are not publicly available.

2025 Season Performance

In 2025, Smith signed with the Tennessee Titans but was released during preliminary roster cuts. This period illustrates the competitive nature of NFL roster decisions and the challenges players face in securing active roles. Smith’s future opportunities will depend on team needs and his performance in practice and potential game situations.