Nolan Smith Jr. is a rising star in the NFL, known for his exceptional athleticism and defensive prowess. Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, Smith has quickly made a name for himself as a linebacker with incredible speed and agility.
This article delves into his personal life, career milestones, financial details, and achievements.
Nolan Smith Jr.’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nolan Sental Smith Jr. |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Date of Birth | January 18, 2001 |
| Age | 24 years old |
| College | University of Georgia |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’2″ (188 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2023 NFL Draft (1st Round, Pick 30) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $5 million |
| Salary | $1.4 million base salary |
| Spouse/Relationship Status | Not publicly disclosed |
| Instagram Profile | @nolan_smith |
Early Career
Nolan Smith Jr.’s football journey began in Savannah, Georgia, where he attended Calvary Day School before transferring to IMG Academy.
At IMG Academy, he emerged as one of the top high school prospects in the nation. His remarkable defensive stats included 88 tackles and 10.5 sacks over two years.
Smith chose to play college football at the University of Georgia, where he became a vital part of the Bulldogs’ defense from 2019 to 2022.
During his tenure, he helped Georgia secure two College Football Playoff National Championships. Despite suffering a pectoral injury in his senior year, which cut his season short, Smith’s college career was marked by resilience and standout performances.
Professional Career
Smith entered the NFL as the Philadelphia Eagles’ first-round pick in the 2023 draft. During his rookie season, he played all 17 games but primarily served as a reserve linebacker behind Haason Reddick.
He finished his debut season with 18 tackles and one sack.In 2024, Smith’s role expanded significantly. He started in 10 out of 16 games and recorded impressive stats: 42 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and multiple quarterback pressures.
His postseason performance was even more remarkable, setting a franchise record with four sacks in a single postseason.
Smith’s ability to adapt to the NFL’s pace while maintaining his college-level dominance has solidified his reputation as one of the league’s most promising young defenders.
Relationship
He has been in a long-term relationship with Aubrey Deitch, a University of Georgia alum and biology graduate, since at least 2020. The couple met during their freshman year at Georgia and began dating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
They frequently share photos together on Instagram, where Smith has referred to Deitch as his “best friend” in heartfelt posts.
Nolan Smith Jr.’s Net Worth Details
Nolan Smith Jr.’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025. This figure stems primarily from his NFL salary, signing bonuses, and endorsement deals.
Contract and Salary
Here are the contract and salary details for Nolan Smith Jr., a linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles:
| Year | Base Salary (USD) | Signing Bonus Proration (USD) | Cap Hit (USD) | Dead Cap (USD) | Cash Payout (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $750,000 | $1,430,438 | $2,180,438 | $11,992,409 | $6,471,752 |
| 2024 | $1,295,109 | $1,430,438 | $2,725,547 | $9,811,970 | $1,295,109 |
| 2025 | $1,840,219 | $1,430,438 | $3,270,657 | $7,086,423 | $1,840,219 |
| 2026 | $2,385,328 | $1,430,438 | $3,815,766 | $3,815,766 | $2,385,328 |
Contract Overview
- Total Value: $11.99 million
- Signing Bonus: $5.72 million
- Guaranteed Amount: Entire contract ($11.99 million)
- Average Annual Salary: $2.998 million
- Free Agent Year: 2027 (UFA)
Nolan Smith Jr.’s contract is fully guaranteed and includes a significant signing bonus spread across four years. His largest cash payout occurred in 2023 due to the signing bonus.
Endorsements
Nolan Smith Jr. has secured a few key endorsements since entering the NFL, leveraging his status as a first-round pick and standout linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles. He is partnered with Nike, which supplies his on-field apparel and footwear, reflecting his high-profile athletic career.
Additionally, Smith has collaborated with EA Sports, appearing in their Madden NFL series as part of their promotional campaigns. Off the field, he is also actively involved in community initiatives, which have helped him build a positive public image and attract sponsorships.
Career Stats
| Category | 2023 Season | 2024 Season | Career Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Games Played (GP) | 17 | 16 | 33 |
| Games Started (GS) | 0 | 10 | 10 |
| Total Tackles (TOT) | 18 | 42 | 60 |
| Solo Tackles (SOLO) | 10 | 21 | 31 |
| Assists (AST) | 8 | 21 | 29 |
| Sacks (SACK) | 1.0 | 6.5 | 7.5 |
| Tackles for Loss (TFL) | 1 | 8 | 9 |
| Forced Fumbles (FF) | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Fumble Recoveries (FR) | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Pass Deflections (PD) | 0 | 2 | 2 |
FAQs
1. Who is Nolan Smith Jr.?
Nolan Smith Jr. is an American football linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL. Born on January 18, 2001, in Savannah, Georgia, he played college football at the University of Georgia, where he won two CFP National Championships. He was drafted 30th overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
2. What are Nolan Smith Jr.’s physical attributes?
Nolan Smith Jr. stands 6’2″ tall and weighs 238 pounds. At the 2023 NFL Combine, he showcased exceptional athleticism with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, a 41.5-inch vertical jump, and a 10’8″ broad jump, making him one of the most explosive athletes in his draft class.
3. What is Nolan Smith Jr.’s NFL contract?
Nolan Smith Jr. signed a four-year rookie contract worth $11.99 million with the Philadelphia Eagles on May 22, 2023. The deal includes a $5.72 million signing bonus and guarantees the full amount of $11.99 million.
4. How did Nolan Smith Jr. perform in his rookie NFL season?
In his rookie season (2023), Nolan Smith Jr. played all 17 games but did not start any. He recorded 18 tackles and one sack while contributing primarily as a reserve linebacker and special teams player.
5. What were Nolan Smith Jr.’s achievements in the 2024 NFL season?
In 2024, Smith started in 10 games and recorded 42 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 24 quarterback pressures during the regular season. He also set a franchise postseason record with four sacks, helping lead the Eagles to Super Bowl LIX.
6. What was Nolan Smith Jr.’s college football career like?
At Georgia, Smith played from 2019 to 2022 and was a key contributor to two National Championship teams (2021, 2022). He recorded career stats of 110 tackles, 12.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception before declaring for the NFL Draft.
7. What injuries has Nolan Smith Jr. faced?
In October 2022 during his senior year at Georgia, Smith suffered a pectoral muscle tear that ended his season prematurely. Despite this setback, he recovered in time to participate in the NFL Combine and was drafted in the first round.
8. What are some highlights of Nolan Smith Jr.’s high school career?
In high school at IMG Academy and Calvary Day School, Nolan was ranked as the No. 1 player nationally by recruiting services like 247Sports.com. He excelled on both offense and defense, earning All-American honors and comparisons to Khalil Mack.
9. What makes Nolan Smith Jr.’s playing style unique?
Known for his speed and versatility as a linebacker, Smith excels at pass rushing and run defense while also contributing on special teams. His athleticism allows him to disrupt plays in both coverage and at the line of scrimmage.
10. What awards has Nolan Smith Jr. won during his career?
In addition to being a two-time CFP National Champion with Georgia (2021, 2022), Smith contributed to the Eagles’ NFC Championship win in his rookie season (2023) and played a key role in their Super Bowl LIX appearance during the following year (2024).
