Shaun Smith life and biography

Shaun Jamel Smith: A Career of Resilience in the NFL

Shaun Jamel Smith (born August 19, 1981) is a former American football defensive end who played in the National Football League (NFL). His professional journey, marked by determination and adaptability, saw him move through multiple teams, carving out a notable career as a defensive lineman. Signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2003, Smith went on to play college football at the University of South Carolina, where he honed the skills that would define his NFL tenure.

Early Life and High School Career

Shaun Smith was born in Brooklyn, New York, where he attended Midwood High School before transferring to Wichita Heights High School in Wichita, Kansas, after his sophomore year. At Wichita Heights, Smith began to make a name for himself as a dominant defensive end, showcasing the potential that would eventually earn him a place in college football.

College Football Career

Smith’s collegiate journey began at Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kansas. As a freshman in 1999, Smith played a pivotal role in Butler's national championship win over Dixie College, contributing significantly alongside future NFL star Rudi Johnson. In his sophomore year, Smith's performance was exceptional, recording 128 tackles and setting a school single-season record with 20 sacks.

In 2001, Smith transferred to the University of South Carolina. As a junior, he served as a backup defensive end, but by his senior year in 2002, he had earned a starting role in two games. Over 12 games, Smith tallied 38 tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery, solidifying his reputation as a formidable defensive presence.

Professional Football Career

Dallas Cowboys

Shaun Smith entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signed by the Dallas Cowboys on May 1, 2003. Despite his potential, Smith faced the challenges of making an impact in the league, spending time on the practice squad before being waived on August 31, 2004.

Arizona Cardinals

Smith's next opportunity came with the Arizona Cardinals, who claimed him off waivers on September 1, 2004. However, his time with the Cardinals was brief, as he was waived just five days later.

New Orleans Saints

In September 2004, Smith joined the New Orleans Saints, initially as a practice squad member before being promoted to the active roster. He made his NFL debut against the San Francisco 49ers on September 19, 2004, finishing the season with 16 tackles and one start. However, his tenure with the Saints was cut short after an off-field incident led to his release on November 30, 2004.

Cincinnati Bengals (First Stint)

The Cincinnati Bengals claimed Smith off waivers on December 2, 2004, where he played as a defensive tackle. Over the next three seasons, Smith became a regular contributor, recording 38 tackles in 2005 and 14 tackles in 2006. However, the Bengals opted not to match the restricted free-agent offer sheet from the Cleveland Browns in 2007.

Cleveland Browns

In March 2007, Smith signed a four-year deal with the Cleveland Browns. Primarily playing as a defensive end in a 3-4 defense, Smith started 11 games in his first season, making 62 tackles. He faced some challenges, including a position shift to nose tackle and a calf injury in 2008, which limited his effectiveness. A reported altercation with quarterback Brady Quinn in December 2008 further marred his time with the Browns, leading to his release on August 8, 2009.

Detroit Lions and Las Vegas Locomotives

Smith briefly joined the Detroit Lions in 2009 but was released during the final roster cuts. He subsequently signed with the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League, where he contributed to their UFL Championship victory in 2009.

Cincinnati Bengals (Second Stint)

Smith returned to the Cincinnati Bengals in December 2009 but did not see significant action and was not re-signed after the season.

Kansas City Chiefs (First Stint)

In March 2010, Smith signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. His tenure was marked by controversy when he was accused by opposing players of inappropriate conduct during games, leading to fines despite his denials.

Tennessee Titans

Smith signed with the Tennessee Titans in 2011, where he scored his first career rushing touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 12. Despite showing promise, his performance declined, and he was released in August 2012 after arriving at training camp out of shape.

Kansas City Chiefs (Second Stint)

Smith re-signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in November 2012 as a backup, but his NFL career ended after the 2012 season, as he was not re-signed for 2013.

Legacy and Influence

Shaun Smith's NFL career is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Despite facing numerous challenges, including frequent team changes and off-field controversies, Smith carved out a decade-long career in professional football. His journey reflects the determination required to succeed in the NFL, particularly for undrafted players. Smith's contributions to the teams he played for, especially during his time with the Bengals and Browns, left a lasting impact, showcasing the importance of perseverance in professional sports.

Personal stats:

• Played his final two high school seasons at Wichita High School in Wichita Heights, Kansas.
• Teams with New England RB Laurence Maroney, Seattle WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, former NFL RB Rudi Johnson and Cleveland Cavaliers G Delonte West for the Rujohn Foundation to host football and basketball camps in Jamaica.
• Full name: Shaun Jamel Smith.
• Married, wife Lashonda with three children, son Kyrum (17) and daughters Markaylon (11) and Autumn (5).

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