Dawuane Smoot

Dawuane Smoot's Biography

Dawuane “D.J.” Smoot, born on March 2, 1995, is a highly-skilled American professional football defensive end currently playing for the Buffalo Bills in the prestigious National Football League (NFL). His journey that started in the high school fields of Groveport Madison, Ohio, led him to be recognized as a powerhouse of sportsmanship and talent on both college and professional football platforms.

Born and raised in Groveport, Ohio, Smoot exhibited an exceptional talent in football during his time at Groveport Madison High School. His impressive stats speak volumes about his talent, boasting an astounding 260 tackles and 30 sacks throughout his entire high school career. This record caught the attention of leading football colleges, and he committed to play college football for the University of Illinois.

As a true freshman at Illinois in 2013, Smoot stepped onto the field for seven games, making his presence known from the onset with eight tackles and one sack. His performance caught the eyes of many, and in 2014, as a sophomore, he expanded his participation to all 13 games, recording an impressive 33 tackles and 2.5 sacks. The upward trajectory of Smoot’s college career continued, as in his junior year in 2015, he started all 12 games, demonstrating his defensive prowess by recording 40 tackles, eight sacks, and forcing three fumbles.

The recognition of Smoot’s exceptional talent peaked on November 29, 2016, when he was named the Third-team All-Big Ten Conference by the coaches and media, an honorific acknowledging his vital contributions to the team and his strong display of skill and teamwork. There were speculations about Smoot leaving Illinois after his junior season as he had received a second-round grade for the 2016 NFL draft from the NFL advisory board. However, he chose to stay for his senior year, securing his position as the 24th overall prospect on Todd McShay’s big board heading into 2017.

In the run-up to the 2017 NFL draft, Smoot seized the opportunity to magnify his progress as a professional footballer by accepting an invitation to the esteemed 2017 Senior Bowl. Despite the team’s loss, Smoot’s performance in the North team was well-received. He further showcased his athleticism at the NFL Combine and completed most of the combine and positional drills, besides participating at Illinois’ Pro Day.

The momentous occasion arrived in 2017 when Smoot was selected in the third round (68th overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL draft. Earning his position in the team, Smoot played in all 16 regular season games, as well as Jacksonville’s three playoff games.

The 2019 season marked a significant achievement in Smoot’s professional career that saw him recording his first two career sacks on Marcus Mariota, guiding his team to a triumphant 20–7 win. His unyielding commitment, augmented by his stunning performance, earned Smoot a two-year, $10 million contract extension with the Jaguars on March 16, 2021.

Even with a sudden Achilles tendon injury late in the 2022 season that led to a four-month rehab, Smoot was not ready to step back. Despite initial setbacks, he was re-signed by the Jaguars on July 21, 2023. Following his recovery, Smoot returned to the playing field on October 14, 2023, activized from the reserve/PUP list.

Smoot’s journey took a new turn on May 3, 2024, when he signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. Besides being a committed football player, Smoot also proved his mettle as a doting husband and father when he helped his wife, Aumari, deliver their second child at home, after she fell on the way to the hospital in October 2021. The couple is blessed with a two-year-old son, Ahmir.

As such, D.J. Smoot remains a captivating player in American professional football, whose journey from high school games in Ohio to the professional grounds of the NFL is a testament to his determination, hard work, and inherent talent. He stands as a model of resilience, continuing to inspire countless aspiring athletes worldwide.