History of Roquan Smith in Timeline

Roquan Smith is an American football linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens. He played college football at the University of Georgia, where he made history by becoming the first Georgia Bulldog to win the Butkus Award, a prestigious honor given annually to the top linebacker in college football.

April 8, 1997: Birth of Roquan Smith

On April 8, 1997, Roquan Daevon Smith was born. This event marks the beginning of his life.

2006: Brian Urlacher Sets Bears Tackles Record

In 2006, Brian Urlacher, a linebacker for the Chicago Bears, set a team record for most tackles in a single game with 19.

2008: Lance Briggs Achieves Multiple Interceptions

In 2008, Lance Briggs, a linebacker for the Chicago Bears, recorded multiple interceptions in a single game.

2015: Roquan Smith Begins College Football Career at Georgia

In 2015, Roquan Smith began his college football career at the University of Georgia, playing in 12 games and making 20 tackles as a true freshman.

2016: Roquan Smith's Sophomore Year at Georgia

In 2016, Roquan Smith started 10 out of 13 games as a sophomore at the University of Georgia, recording 95 tackles.

2017: Roquan Smith's Award-Winning Season at Georgia

In 2017, Roquan Smith had a standout year at the University of Georgia, earning the SEC Championship Game MVP and being named SEC Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press. He also became the first Georgia Bulldog to receive the Butkus Award.

May 8, 2018: Roquan Smith's Stolen Belongings Recovered

On May 8, 2018, Roquan Smith's car was burglarized in Athens, Georgia. Among the stolen items were a team-issued iPad, personal belongings, college jerseys, his helmet, and awards. Fortunately, all the stolen items were recovered the following day.

2018: Roquan Smith's Performance and Recognition

During the 2018 season, Roquan Smith recorded 121 tackles, five sacks, five passes defended, and one interception. He received a 67.4 grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking him 39th among qualifying linebackers. Smith was also chosen as a Pro Bowl alternate.

2018: Chicago Bears Draft Roquan Smith

In the 2018 NFL draft, the Chicago Bears selected Roquan Smith as the eighth overall pick in the first round.

2018: Roquan Smith Enters the NFL Draft

Roquan Smith decided to forgo his senior year at Georgia and entered the 2018 NFL draft.

January 6, 2019: Bears' Playoff Loss to the Eagles

On January 6, 2019, the Chicago Bears lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 16-15 in a Wild Card playoff game. Roquan Smith led the Bears with seven tackles and intercepted Nick Foles.

December 9, 2019: Roquan Smith Placed on Injured Reserve

On December 9, 2019, Roquan Smith was placed on injured reserve due to a torn pectoral muscle sustained during Week 14 of the NFL season.

2019: Roquan Smith's Impressive Performance and Playoff Appearance

In 2019, Roquan Smith became the first Chicago Bears player since Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to record multiple interceptions in a single game. He achieved this feat against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16, intercepting Mike Glennon twice. Smith also became the first Bears linebacker to achieve this since Lance Briggs in 2008. The Bears reached the playoffs for the second time in Smith's career; however, he was sidelined during their 21-9 loss to the New Orleans Saints due to an elbow injury sustained in the final game of the regular season.

April 27, 2021: Chicago Bears Exercise Roquan Smith's Fifth-Year Option

On April 27, 2021, the Chicago Bears exercised the fifth-year option on Roquan Smith's contract, guaranteeing him a salary of $9.7 million for the 2022 season.

August 2022: Roquan Smith Requests Trade from Chicago Bears

In August 2022, Roquan Smith publicly announced his request for a trade from the Chicago Bears. He cited a lack of valuation from the "new front office regime" as the reason behind his decision. While Smith reported to the Bears' training camp, he chose not to participate in practice. On August 20, 2022, he decided to end his holdout and announced that he would cease negotiations with the Bears' front office for the remainder of the season.

October 31, 2022: Baltimore Ravens Acquire Roquan Smith in Trade

On October 31, 2022, the Baltimore Ravens acquired Roquan Smith in a trade with the Chicago Bears. In exchange, the Bears received A. J. Klein, a 2023 second-round pick, and a 2023 fifth-round pick.

2022: Roquan Smith's Standout Season and Recognition

In the 2022 season, Roquan Smith had a remarkable performance, recording one interception and 163 total tackles – the fifth-highest in the NFL. He was recognized for his accomplishments with selections to NFL.com's All-Pro team and the Associated Press's second-team All-Pro. Smith also secured the 84th position on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022, as voted by his peers.

January 10, 2023: Roquan Smith Signs Record-Breaking Contract Extension with Ravens

On January 10, 2023, Roquan Smith signed a five-year, $100 million contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens. This deal, which included $45 million fully guaranteed and $60 million in total guarantees, made him the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL. Notably, Smith negotiated this contract himself, without the representation of an agent.

May 2023: Roquan Smith Becomes First Baltimore Raven to Wear Number '0'

In May 2023, Roquan Smith made history by becoming the first player in Baltimore Ravens history to wear the number '0'.

November 12, 2023: Roquan Smith Sets Career-High in Tackles

On November 12, 2023, in a game against the Cleveland Browns, Roquan Smith achieved a career-high with 21 tackles (14 solo). This accomplishment placed him alongside Ray Lewis as the only Ravens players to record at least 20 tackles in a single game. Furthermore, Smith became the first NFL defensive player in 2023 to reach the 20+ tackle mark in a single game.