Oh Ravens, that 2019 season they were almost there but haven’t you heard too close, yet too far? See it’s tough when you don’t get through, but looking at their previous seasons, they did well. Despite their inconsistent offensive line and an injury-prone season, they did pretty well. But they’ve to thank their star player for this. No, I’m not talking about Lamar, it’s the linebacker Roquan Smith. To remind you, he works with a different mindset, “You’re considered a bad guy because you’re going to essentially another man’s house and you’re trying to take over,” said Smith about his thought process.
He had one hell of a season for the Ravens, getting 154 tackles with 81 solo and 73 assisted tackles. He gets paid a lot for that, but there’s plenty of hard work that goes off the camera. Especially when you’re a small-town guy making your way to the top. Yes, he had that journey, and if you go on to read about his humble beginnings, you’ll surely respect him more.
Who is Roquan Smith’s mom?
Shaquana Thomas, Roquan Smith’s mom, is a die-hard Atlanta Falcons fan. After the Bears picked her son with the 8th overall draft pick, you could tell she was in a dilemma between her hometown team and supporting Roquan’s new NFL home at that time. She laughed it off, saying, “I’ll keep both. I’m from Georgia, I’m in Georgia.” Georgia’s always gonna be her home. Now, after six years, it’s interesting to see whether she has shifted to the Ravens or not. Well, it’s tough to make any fan change their team; can’t blame her on that.
In a fun video, Roquan even joked that it wouldn’t take long for his mom to become a full-time Bears fan. “Not long at all,” he said confidently. Considering that year’s 8th pick signed a $17 million contract, he’s probably right. Shaquana’s been cheering for the Falcons forever, but with Roquan in the NFL, she’s had more than enough reasons to start rooting for the Bears too. She’s balancing her love for the Falcons and her pride in Roquan’s achievements like a pro, showing just how supportive and adaptable she is.
When Roquan Smith got drafted by the Chicago Bears, his mom, Shaquana Thomas, penned an emotional letter that hit right in the feels. She poured her heart out, telling Roquan, “I am so proud of you. Dreams do come true.” She reminded him to stay humble and true to himself, no matter the fame and fortune coming his way.
Who is Roquan Smith’s Dad?
Roquan’s dad, Roderick Smith worked as a contractor in Malcon. After marrying Shaquana, the couple had 4 children, Roquan, Omar Richards, Rod Smith, and Tyanna. Roquan’s sporting genes come from this man, yep, his father was also quite an athlete in his time. His interest was mostly in Basketball during his time. We don’t know whether this was the reason, but his kid back then wanted to complete his dad’s dream.
Yeah! Roquan initially wanted to play basketball professionally but his formative years made him turn to football. But everything changed when Larry Harold, the new football coach at Macon County High, saw Roquan’s potential on the hardwood and convinced him to try football. And then there was a journey that was just bound to be successful.
Where did Roquan Smith grow up?
Roquan Smith’s roots run deep in Marshallville, Georgia, a tiny town with about 1,300 folks. If you blink while driving through, you’ll probably miss it. He also spent time in Montezuma, the biggest town in Macon County with just over 3,000 people. This area is about 125 miles south of Atlanta, where agriculture rules, especially peaches. But everything changed when Larry Harold, the new football coach at Macon County High, saw Roquan’s potential on the hardwood and convinced him to try football. Roquan was ready to quit football to focus on hoops, but Harold’s belief in him made all the difference.
Harold changed Roquan’s number from 68 to 1 and moved him to a new position on defense. This switch turned Roquan and his team into contenders, with colleges starting to notice his talent. Roquan shined in multiple roles, from a receiver to running back and even as a wildcat quarterback. UCLA was the first to offer him a scholarship, but he ultimately chose to stay close to home and play for the Georgia Bulldogs. There he won the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker, he caught the eyes of NFL scouts. In the 2018 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears grabbed him with the 8th overall pick. Roquan hit the ground running, earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team and quickly becoming a key player for the Bears defense.
Fast forward to 2022, Roquan was traded to the Baltimore Ravens, and he didn’t miss a beat. Leading the team in tackles and a huge impact on their defense, he even got a third consecutive Pro Bowl. Now, at just 27, Roquan’s got plenty of prime years ahead. Whether he lands a long-term deal with the Ravens or makes another big move, he has a secure career.
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