Za'Darius
"Kid Thunder"
Smith
Jersey number: 99
Dob: 9/8/1992
Position: DE
College: Kentucky
Za'Darius Smith's Biography
Za’Darius Smith, born on September 8, 1992, is a renowned American professional football defensive end, currently playing for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League (NFL). His impressive journey to becoming a substantial figure in American football reflects hard work, determination, and a passion for the sport. This in-depth bio will take you into the life and career of Za’Darius Smith.
Born and raised in Greenville, Alabama, Smith attended Greenville High School. Interestingly, his interest in sports was initially channeled into basketball, and he only started playing football in his senior year of high school. Despite the late start, his natural talent in football started showing almost immediately, forging the path for the notable career that lay ahead.
Smith commenced his college football career at East Mississippi Community College, laying a strong foundation for his future in the sport. He played for two years at East Mississippi, exhibiting a commendable performance with 66 tackles and 11 sacks. Smith then transferred to the University of Kentucky to further sharpen his skills. In his debut year, he started all 12 games, recording 59 tackles and six sacks, which earned him a seventh place ranking in the Southeastern Conference. As a senior in 2014, Smith’s performance remained impressive with 60 tackles and 4.5 sacks.
In 2015, Smith showcased his skills at the 2015 East–West Shrine Game, helping the East to defeat the West 19–3 by contributing two combined tackles and one sack. This superior performance earned him the title of the most valuable defensive player in the game. His participation in this game played a significant role in kickstarting his professional career as he later received an LB invitation to the 2015 Senior Bowl.
The Baltimore Ravens ultimately selected Smith in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. His impact was felt immediately, as he debuted during a match against the Oakland Raiders, making one solo tackle. Later, Smith established himself as a key player by making his first career sack on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback, Michael Vick. In his initial year, Smith played 15 games, managing 30 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and two pass deflections. His consistent performances, highlighted by multiple quarterback hits and sacks, characterized the subsequent years of his stint with the Ravens.
In 2019, Smith penned a four-year, $66 million contract with the Green Bay Packers, further advancing his NFL career. He took little time to settle in, demonstrating his penchant for strategic gameplay and strong defense. Smith recorded numerous sacks and tackles throughout his tenure with the Packers, including a career-high 13.5 sacks in the regular season. His remarkable performance was acknowledged by naming him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week and selecting him for the 2021 Pro Bowl.
Unfortunately, Smith encountered adverse circumstances when a back injury troubled him during the Packers’ 2021 training camp. Despite initial assurances regarding his fitness, the injury persisted and resulted in him being placed on injured reserve. After several months of recovery and rehabilitation, he was activated just in time for the playoffs, once more showing his mettle with a crucial sack during a game against the 49ers.
However, the looming financial constraints on the Packers led to Smith’s release in March 2022 to save significant salary cap space. Smith signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings later that month. The move reunited him with Mike Pettine and Mike Smith, familiar figures from his football journey. But his stint with the Vikings was short-lived, with the Cleveland Browns trading for him in May 2023. Smith played a total of 16 games and finished second on the team with 5.5 sacks in his inaugural season with the Browns. In March 2024, in recognition of his contributions, the Browns rewarded him with a two-year contract extension.
Aside from his professional life, an incident in September 2019 briefly tarnished Smith’s reputation when he was cited for possession of marijuana and speeding. Smith and his teammates were returning from Chicago when they were stopped by a deputy for driving over the speed limit in a construction zone. The deputy discovered three marijuana cigarettes and a THC vaping cartridge in a duffle bag in the rear of the vehicle. Though Smith was initially placed in handcuffs, he cooperated with the authorities throughout the incident and later pleaded not guilty to both charges. The Racine County prosecutor subsequently dismissed the charges in July 2020.
From his late start in football in high school to his persistent efforts to excel in the NFL, Za’Darius Smith’s journey has been filled with dedication, resilience, and unwavering tenacity. He has grown into a significant figure in the world of American football, inspiring many young players with his outstanding performances and fierce determination to succeed.
Za'Darius Smith's Questions & Answers
Who Is Za'Darius Smith?
Za'Darius Smith is an American professional football player who serves as a defensive end for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League, after playing college football at East Mississippi Community College and Kentucky.
What Is Za'Darius Smith's Contract?
Za'Darius Smith signed a two-year contract with the Browns for $23 million, including $12 million guaranteed and a $10.79 million signing bonus, with a potential $2 million roster bonus if he remains on the team by the third day of the 2025 league year.
What Is Za'Darius Smith's PFF Rating?
As a journalist, I do not have the current PFF (Pro Football Focus) rating of Za'Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns available.
Did Za'Darius Smith Sign With The Lions?
No, Za'Darius Smith did not sign with the Lions, he re-signed with the Cleveland Browns.
Who Is Za'darius Smith's Wife?
As an NFL journalist, I can't provide information on Za'Darius Smith's wife as it's not detailed on his Wikipedia page or publicly available sources.
Which Teams Has Za'Darius Smith Played For?
Za'Darius Smith has played for the Baltimore Ravens and the Green Bay Packers, but not the Cleveland Browns.
What College Did Za'Darius Smith Attend?
Za'Darius Smith attended the University of Kentucky for college.
What Is Za'Darius Smith's Age?
As a journalist, I must clarify that specific data such as Za'Darius Smith's age might not be up-to-date in this context. Please refer to the most recent sources.
What Is The Status Of Za'Darius Smith's Injury?
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith has returned to practice after his injury.