Roquan Daevon Smith, born on April 8, 1997, is an American professional football linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Georgia Bulldogs. Smith was introduced to organized football at the age of six. But recently, his name has been mentioned in connection with serious allegations.
Early Career and College Years
As a kid, basketball dominated his life.
By the time he was a senior, Smith was one of the top linebackers in the nation. Visitors pitching college football glory rolled into town.
Smith, a 6-foot-1, 225-pound junior, took home the Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker. He is a consensus All-American and a projected first-round pick in the next NFL draft, should he opt to leave school early.
Oklahoma players have identified Smith as the guy to watch Monday.
Read also: Read about Chad Smith's Drums
In elementary school, Smith became fascinated with geography. He would bury himself in a social studies book, pouring over the maps.
Even Montezuma, a place that would be nearly impossible to find on a map.
No one of note has come from Montezuma. The town, Smith said, has three stop lights. In an area that is rich in Civil War history, the most notable monuments in the Montezuma cemetery are the Lewis brothers.
NFL Career
19: Roquan Smith (LB, Ravens) | Top 100 Players of 2024
Smith was selected by the Chicago Bears as the eighth overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
In early August 2022, Smith announced that while he tried to negotiate a contract extension during the offseason, he has requested the Bears trade him stating the reason being the "new front office regime doesn't value me here."[59] Smith did report to Bears' training camp, but refused to practice.
Read also: Smith's Unexpected Career Change
On October 31, 2022, Smith was traded to the Ravens for A. J.
On January 10, 2023, Smith signed a five-year, $100 million extension with the Ravens, including $45 million fully guaranteed with $60 million in total guarantees, making him the highest paid linebacker in the league.
On November 12, 2023, Smith was credited with a career-high 21 tackles (14 solo) in a loss to the Cleveland Browns.
He and Ray Lewis are the only Ravens in franchise history to record at least 20 tackles in a single game.
Smith thinks his small-town roots prepared him well for life.
Read also: Michigan roots of Chad Smith
During a season of unexpected change, Roquan Smith is tackling everything.
The Ravens All-Pro inside linebacker leads all NFL players in solo tackles since entering the league in 2018.
Smith believes he has earned a contract commensurate with being a top player at his position, and the resume he's put together at age 25 makes a strong case.
Serving as his own agent after majoring in economics at Georgia, Smith hopes a long-term deal will be worked out with the Ravens this offseason that allows him to remain in Baltimore.
After hearing plenty this week about the Ravens-Steelers history, Smith is eager to join fray.
Few players could join a new defensive system in midseason and make it look as seamless as Smith's has done.
His combination of speed, agility, toughness and high football IQ allow him to make plays that other linebackers can't. He weaves through traffic near the line of scrimmage like a race car driver during rush hour. He never takes his bullseye off his target, and when Smith meets the ballcarrier, his elite tackling ability usually ends the play.
Smith's presence is having a ripple effect on the entire unit.
The fact that Smith's long-term future remains in limbo hasn't stolen his joy for the game, but it's been a challenging season for him.
He doesn't know where he'll be playing next season.
Smith's aunt, Shaquwanda Baker, said becoming a professional athlete and the biggest star in his hometown has not changed his nature.
Smith has quickly become a favorite at the Under Armour Performance Center, saying hello to people he passes in the hallway, smiling easily and quickly diving into community outreach.
Smith is a leader by example, but he's rarely the loudest voice in the locker room, or the player most likely to deliver a passionate pregame speech.
After not winning a playoff game during his four seasons with the Bears, Smith has dreams of postseason glory that he'd like to see the Ravens accomplish.
Smith said he never thought about playing with the Ravens until he was summoned to Bears General Manager Ryan Poles office and told he was being dealt to Baltimore.
He has traveled to Central America and South America, and has hopes of getting to Europe and Africa.
He learned that you've got to bust your tail for everything you want, Smith said.
Philanthropy
Good things do really happen to people who share their hearts and resources with those who have little. At least that’s what we all like to believe. In this case, the day that Chicago Bears All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith became aware of Matthew House Chicago, and the men and women the organization serves, he decided that he is the man who has resources to make those good things happen.
On Sunday, February 13, 2022, Roquan’s efforts will mean that Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson, CEO of Matthew House Chicago will be attending Super Bowl LVI at So-Fi Stadium in Los Angeles, CA.
And that dream is a caring organization, who sees them as worthy of housing security, and a place to call home.
Roquan says that “Paying it forward to Matthew House was without much thought - their many years of dedication to serving the homeless communities has not been posted on billboards but has not gone unnoticed.”
When asked what drives him to make a difference in the lives of others Smith responds, “Giving back is important to me and I don’t take for granted the opportunity given to me to do so.”
“We are so grateful for the care and support for the mission of Matthew House that Mr. Smith has demonstrated and continues to demonstrate.” She continues, “The services we provide on a daily basis are an integral part of moving those who enter our through our doors are the bridge needed to move from homelessness to housed.”
“Earlier in 2021, Roquan Smith made his presence felt and his heart apparent by donating 46 pairs of new Nike shoes for the guests of Matthew House. This was an incredible gift, and the guests were thrilled and eternally grateful for his generosity.”
Matthew House fulfills its mission by first addressing emergency needs, such as food, daytime shelter, clothing, showers, and assisting clients in finding overnight shelter.
The Learning Center offers of daily testing and skills assessment, tutoring, and computer literacy classes.
Matthew House has aligned itself with linkage partners for specialty services such as, medical and dental care, mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence matters.
Matthew House offers scattered-site permanent supportive housing for men and women throughout Chicago that provide safety and independence for the population it serves.
Recent Allegations
Recently, allegations have surfaced against Roquan Smith regarding an incident that allegedly occurred in South Africa. According to reports, a South African girl accused Roquan Smith of rape on a trip he made to South Africa this winter.
She claims to have DNA evidence and pictures. Just because he slept with her, doesn't mean he raped her. I have no idea what happened. I could imagine him being a total monster, and I could imagine him being the most innocent victim. I wouldn't want to guess. The legal system will have to sort it out. Until something like that or a video of him overpowering her or something becomes available, I'm not going to assume anything about Roquan.
Here's a summary table of the key information regarding the allegations:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Accusation | Rape |
| Location | South Africa |
| Alleged Evidence | DNA evidence, pictures |
| Status | Under investigation by South African officials |
It's important to note that these are just allegations, and Roquan Smith is entitled to due process. The legal system will need to investigate and determine the truth of the matter.
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