Jonnu Smith

Early life

Smith was raised in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by his parents, Wayne and Karen Smith. He is the youngest of six children. When Smith was born, Karen was pressured by nurses to name him immediately, in accordance with hospital policies. After praying, she came up with the name Jonnu. Smith began playing Pop Warner football at age five.

Smith endured many challenges as a youngster in Philadelphia. After his brother was arrested and one of his friends was killed on the streets, Smith's family did not have the financial means to uproot. For his own safety, Smith moved in with his maternal aunt and uncle in Ocala, Florida. Smith started playing high school football at West Port High School, and even though he was far from a touted recruit, Smith earned a scholarship to Florida International.

College career

Smith played college football at Florida International University, where he majored in liberal studies.

As a freshman in 2013, Smith played 12 games and finished with 39 receptions for 388 yards and two touchdowns.

As a sophomore in 2014, Smith played 12 games and had 61 receptions for 710 yards and eight touchdowns.

As a junior in 2015, Smith played in eight games and finished with 36 receptions for 397 yards and four touchdowns.

As a senior in 2016, Smith played 11 games and recorded 42 receptions for 506 yards and four touchdowns.

Smith was invited to play in the 2017 Senior Bowl, but was overshadowed by other tight ends who were considered first- and second-round picks.

Personal life

Smith is a Christian. He has said, “[Faith is] the foundation of everything I do, and I am so thankful for the way I was raised because I lean on the things I learned as a kid today as a grown man.... I am a man of faith, and I am a man of God and I truly believe that everything is ordained for a purpose.”

Smith's best friend, Willie “Quasim” Jefferson, died from a gunshot in October 2016. Smith gave his son Jaiyen the middle name Quasim in honor of Jefferson. Smith competed in weightlifting, finishing second in the county in the 219-pound weight class.

Smith credits his mother, Karen, for his successes. When Smith was four, his father, Wayne, died in a work-related tow truck accident at age 40. As a result, Karen raised all six children all by herself. "My mother is my rock," said Smith. "It was tough, but we always got what we needed—not necessarily what we wanted all the time—but what we needed. She was so strong all the time."

On October 31, 2016, Smith was involved in an altercation with his girlfriend, Mary Gaspar, who was five months pregnant with their child. The argument took place in their campus dorm room, where Gaspar used a kitchen pot and poured boiling hot water onto Smith. Smith suffered burns and was ruled out for the rest of his senior year. Gaspar was arrested for aggravated battery and entered a not guilty plea. The charges against her were dropped the following year after delivering their child.