Za’Darius Smith

Za’Darius Smith Bio

Za’Darius Smith is an American former professional football linebacker and defensive end who played 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 8, 1992, in Montgomery, Alabama, Smith established himself as one of the most productive pass rushers of his generation. He played college football for the East Mississippi Lions and Kentucky Wildcats before the Baltimore Ravens selected him in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL draft. Smith went on to suit up for six NFL franchises, accumulating 70.5 career sacks while earning three Pro Bowl selections and Second-team All-Pro honors in 2020.

Early Life and Background

Za’Darius Smith grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, and attended Greenville High School in Greenville, Alabama. Unlike many future professional football players who begin playing at an early age, Smith focused primarily on basketball during his high school years and did not begin playing football until his senior year. This late start made his eventual rise to NFL prominence even more remarkable, as he had to quickly develop his football skills and fundamentals while competing against players with years of experience.

Despite his delayed entry into football, Smith’s athletic ability was evident. His combination of size, speed, and explosiveness caught the attention of college scouts, setting the stage for his transition to the next level.

Path to American Football

Smith began his college football career at East Mississippi Community College, where he played two seasons from 2011 to 2012. At East Mississippi, he recorded 66 tackles and 11 sacks, demonstrating his potential as a disruptive defensive force. His performance at the junior college level earned him an opportunity to transfer to a major college football program.

Smith subsequently transferred to the University of Kentucky, where he played for the Wildcats from 2013 to 2014. In his senior season, he earned Third-team All-SEC honors after recording 60 tackles and 4.5 sacks. His standout college career and impressive physical tools positioned him as a promising NFL draft prospect heading into 2015.

Prior to the NFL draft, Smith participated in the East-West Shrine Game on January 17, 2015, where he recorded two combined tackles and one sack to help the East defeat the West 19-3. He was named the most valuable defensive player in the East-West Shrine Game and received an invitation to the Reese’s Senior Bowl, further solidifying his draft stock.

Za’Darius Smith Career

Baltimore Ravens (2015–2018)

The Baltimore Ravens selected Za’Darius Smith in the fourth round with the 122nd overall pick of the 2015 NFL draft. The Ravens acquired the pick used to select him during a trade with the Detroit Lions in exchange for Haloti Ngata. On May 8, 2015, Smith signed a four-year contract worth $2.76 million with a signing bonus of $483,152.

Smith entered training camp as a backup outside linebacker but worked his way into a rotation role. He made his professional regular season debut on September 20, 2015, during a 37-33 loss at the Oakland Raiders. He recorded his first career sack on October 1, 2015, taking down Steelers quarterback Michael Vick for a six-yard loss during the third quarter of a 23-20 overtime win at the Pittsburgh Steelers. As a rookie, Smith played 15 games with 30 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 2 passes defended.

Over his four seasons with the Ravens, Smith steadily improved his production. In 2018, he appeared in 16 games with 8 starts and recorded a career-high 45 combined tackles and 8.5 sacks. He led the Ravens in sacks that season and finished sixth on the team in tackles. His breakout performance came in Week 6 against the Tennessee Titans, where he recorded three sacks as part of a team-record 11 sacks in a 21-0 shutout victory, earning him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Green Bay Packers (2019–2021)

On March 14, 2019, Smith signed a four-year, $66 million contract with the Green Bay Packers, a significant payday that reflected his emerging status as an elite pass rusher. The move immediately paid dividends as Smith became a foundational piece of the Packers defense.

In his debut season with Green Bay, Smith made an immediate impact. He finished the 2019 regular season with a career-high 13.5 sacks and earned his first Pro Bowl selection. His performance in the playoffs was equally impressive, as he recorded 2 sacks on Russell Wilson during the Divisional Round victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

Smith continued his dominance into the 2020 season. He earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week 4 after recording three sacks against Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan in a 30-16 win. He also forced a notable fumble on Taysom Hill during a Week 3 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Smith was selected to the Pro Bowl in December 2020 and was named to the Second-team All-Pro roster at season’s end.

The 2021 season proved challenging for Smith due to injuries. He reported to training camp with a back injury and was placed on the Non-Football Injury list. He underwent back surgery in September 2021 and missed significant time, returning for the playoffs where he recorded one sack in the Wild Card round. The Packers released Smith on March 14, 2022, to create salary cap space.

Minnesota Vikings (2022)

Smith signed with the Minnesota Vikings on March 22, 2022, joining the team on a three-year, $42 million contract. The move reunited him with former defensive coaches Mike Pettine and Mike Smith.

Smith’s 2022 season with Minnesota was exceptional. He earned NFC Defensive Player of the Month honors for October after recording 14 tackles, 6.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, and a pass breakup during the month. He followed that with NFC Defensive Player of the Week recognition in Week 8, where he recorded three sacks, four tackles for loss, and a pass breakup in a victory over the Arizona Cardinals. His 2022 performance earned him his third Pro Bowl selection.

Cleveland Browns (2023–2024)

On May 16, 2023, the Cleveland Browns acquired Smith in a trade that sent two fifth-round picks to the Vikings. He started 16 games in his first season with Cleveland and recorded 5.5 sacks, finishing second on the team in that category. On March 13, 2024, Smith signed a two-year contract extension with the Browns.

Detroit Lions (2024)

Smith’s tenure with the Browns ended midway through the 2024 season when he was traded to the Detroit Lions on November 5, 2024. The Lions acquired Smith and a 2026 seventh-round draft pick in exchange for draft picks. He made his Lions debut on November 17 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, recording half a sack in a 52-6 victory. Smith was released by the Lions on March 9, 2025.

Philadelphia Eagles (2025)

On September 5, 2025, Smith signed a one-year, $9 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. He appeared in five games for Philadelphia, including two starts, and recorded 1.5 sacks and 10 combined tackles. On October 13, 2025, Smith announced his retirement from professional football, concluding an 11-season NFL career.

Za’Darius Smith Career Wins

Za’Darius Smith established himself as one of the NFL’s most consistent and productive pass rushers over his 11-season career. He played for six different franchises and accumulated 70.5 career sacks while demonstrating the ability to change games with his ability to pressure quarterbacks and force turnovers.

NFL Career Highlights

Smith’s most prolific season came in 2019 with the Green Bay Packers, where he recorded 13.5 sacks and earned his first Pro Bowl selection. He followed that with an equally impressive 2020 campaign, earning Second-team All-Pro honors and his second Pro Bowl selection. His 2022 season with the Minnesota Vikings saw him earn his third Pro Bowl nod while leading the conference in several pass-rushing categories during the month of October. Over his career, Smith recorded at least one sack in multiple playoff games and earned AFC and NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors on multiple occasions.

Other Achievements

Prior to his NFL career, Smith earned MVP honors at the 2015 East-West Shrine Game, showcasing his talents against top draft prospects. He was also named Third-team All-SEC during his senior season at the University of Kentucky in 2013.

Za’Darius Smith Family

Family Background

Za’Darius Smith was born in Montgomery, Alabama, and attended Greenville High School in Greenville, Alabama. His athletic journey took an unconventional path, as he focused on basketball during his high school years rather than football, which shaped his unique skill set and eventual playing style.

Personal Life

Smith is the uncle of Detroit Lions wide receiver Jackson Meeks, establishing a family connection within the NFL that continued through his playing career. Smith was involved in a legal matter in September 2019 when Racine County Sheriff’s Office cited him for possession of marijuana and speeding in a construction zone while returning to Green Bay from Chicago with teammates. He cooperated with authorities and hired legal representation. The Racine County prosecutor dismissed the charges on July 30, 2020.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marked the final chapter of Za’Darius Smith’s distinguished NFL career. After signing with the Philadelphia Eagles on September 5, 2025, Smith provided veteran depth and experience to the Eagles defensive line. He appeared in five games with two starts, recording 1.5 sacks and 10 combined tackles during his limited action.

Smith’s contributions extended beyond statistics, as he brought leadership and mentorship to a young Eagles defensive unit. His professionalism and work ethic set an example for teammates throughout the season. The Eagles valued his veteran presence in the locker room and on the practice field.

Following months of reflection, Smith announced his retirement on October 13, 2025, bringing an end to an 11-season NFL career that saw him play for six different franchises. Smith leaves the game as one of the more productive pass rushers of his era, with 70.5 career sacks, three Pro Bowl selections, and Second-team All-Pro honors highlighting his accomplishments. His journey from a basketball player at Greenville High School to an 11-year NFL veteran exemplifies his determination and adaptability throughout his professional career.