Chris Smith II Bio
Christopher Paul Smith II, born on May 1, 2000, is an American professional football safety who has competed in the National Football League since 2023. A native of the Atlanta metropolitan area, he built his reputation as a hard-hitting defensive back at the University of Georgia, where he helped lead the Bulldogs to consecutive College Football Playoff National Championships. Smith has since suited up for multiple NFL franchises and continues to be regarded as a versatile safety prospect with strong ball skills.
Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing approximately 196 pounds, Smith combines physicality with dependable tackling and coverage instincts. He has been recognized for his ability to contribute in pass defense, run support, and special teams. After entering the league as a fifth-round selection, he has continued to pursue opportunities to establish a long-term professional career.
Early Life and Background
Christopher Paul Smith II was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and grew up in the greater metropolitan region. He attended Hapeville Charter Career Academy in Union City, Georgia, where he developed into a reliable defensive back. During his senior season, Smith recorded five interceptions and seven pass breakups while adding 54 tackles, establishing himself as one of the more productive players in the area.
Coming out of high school, Smith was rated as a three-star recruit. Despite the modest ranking, he earned a scholarship offer from the University of Georgia, where he committed to play college football. The decision allowed him to remain close to home while competing at one of the premier programs in the Southeastern Conference. His path reflected patience, as he prepared to work his way into a prominent role within a deep Bulldogs secondary.
Path to American Football
Smith’s transition from a high school prospect to a collegiate starter was gradual. He arrived at Georgia in 2019 and saw limited action during his first two seasons with the Bulldogs. He worked closely with defensive coaches and veterans within the program, gradually learning the techniques required to play safety at a high level. His persistence set the foundation for a breakthrough in his third collegiate season.
The turning point came in 2020, when Smith appeared in all ten games and increased his production following a motorcycle accident involving starting safety Richard LeCounte. Smith stepped into a larger role and delivered steady performances. By 2021, he had earned the full-time starting job and was on his way to becoming one of the most reliable defensive backs in the Southeastern Conference.
Chris Smith II Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
During his first two seasons at the University of Georgia, Smith appeared in a limited capacity as he adjusted to the speed and complexity of collegiate football. He focused on refining his fundamentals in coverage and tackling while learning from experienced teammates. The experience allowed him to gain confidence in his preparation habits and on-field awareness.
In 2020, Smith played in all ten games and began to show flashes of the player he would become. He finished the year with growing responsibilities and built trust with the defensive coaching staff, setting the stage for his emergence as a starter the following season.
Georgia Bulldogs Breakthrough (2021–2022)
Smith became a full-time starter in 2021 and quickly delivered signature moments. In the season opener against Clemson, he intercepted quarterback DJ Uiagalelei and returned the ball 74 yards for the only touchdown of the game, securing a 10–3 victory for the Bulldogs. He finished the 2021 campaign with 34 tackles and three interceptions across 12 games, helping Georgia capture the College Football Playoff National Championship. In the title game, he recorded one interception and a career-high seven tackles.
Smith elected to use the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA and returned for the 2022 season. He produced another strong year with 50 tackles and three interceptions, and he was named a unanimous All-American alongside teammate Jalen Carter. In the SEC Championship Game, he returned a blocked field goal 95 yards for a touchdown against Alabama, helping Georgia win 50–30. The Bulldogs went on to defeat TCU 65–7 in the national championship, earning Smith his second consecutive national title. He declared for the 2023 NFL Draft following the season.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2023–2025)
The Las Vegas Raiders selected Smith in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 170th overall pick. He joined a secondary in need of depth and competitiveness, and he contributed on both defense and special teams during his early professional seasons. Over the course of his time in Las Vegas, he continued to develop his understanding of professional defensive schemes and refine his coverage technique.
On November 18, 2025, the Raiders waived Smith, ending his tenure with the organization. His release opened the door for a new opportunity, and he quickly attracted interest from teams seeking depth in the secondary.
Los Angeles Rams Era (2025)
On November 19, 2025, the Los Angeles Rams claimed Smith off waivers, adding him to their defensive back group. The move offered him a chance to contribute on special teams and within the defensive rotation as the season progressed. He was waived by the Rams on December 23, 2025, concluding a brief stint with the organization.
Current Team Status
Following his release from the Los Angeles Rams, Smith is currently a free agent available to sign with any NFL franchise. He remains an active professional football player and continues to pursue opportunities to extend his NFL career.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a safety, Smith is recognized for his instincts in coverage, his willingness to support the run, and his ability to deliver effective tackles in open space. His collegiate highlights, including long interception returns and a 95-yard blocked-field-goal return, demonstrate his playmaking ability. Coaches have valued his football intelligence, competitive toughness, and his readiness to contribute on special teams units.
Notable Events and Milestones
Smith’s most memorable collegiate moment came in the 2021 season opener against Clemson, when his 74-yard interception return produced the game’s only touchdown. He added a 95-yard blocked-field-goal return touchdown in the 2022 SEC Championship Game and recorded seven tackles in the 2022 national title game. In the NFL, his selection by the Las Vegas Raiders in the fifth round of the 2023 Draft marked the start of his professional career.
Chris Smith II Career Wins
Smith’s most celebrated victories have come at the team level during his collegiate career. He was part of Georgia’s 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship team and the 2022 squad that repeated as champions. He also contributed to Georgia’s SEC Championship victory in 2022, capping a dominant run by the Bulldogs. At the professional level, he has not yet recorded an individual statistical win metric of note, with his contributions measured through roster participation and special teams play.
Georgia Bulldogs Highlights
During his time with the Georgia Bulldogs, Smith helped the program secure two consecutive national championships in 2021 and 2022, as well as an SEC Championship in 2022. He earned unanimous All-American honors and was a First-team All-SEC selection in 2022, cementing his legacy as one of the premier defensive backs in program history.
Other Performances
Smith’s professional contributions have been concentrated on special teams and rotational defensive snaps. His ability to remain on NFL rosters through multiple teams reflects the value he provides in those areas of the game.
Chris Smith II Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Smith grew up in the Atlanta, Georgia, area, where he developed his early passion for football. He is identified publicly as Christopher Paul Smith II, indicating a family naming tradition that he has carried into his professional identity.
Personal Life
Smith maintains an active presence on social media and is represented professionally under the name Chris Smith II. Public information about his personal relationships and family members beyond his parents and upbringing in Atlanta remains limited.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transitional year for Smith at the professional level. He began the campaign with the Las Vegas Raiders after spending the previous two seasons with the organization following his 2023 draft selection. His role within the Raiders’ secondary and special teams units provided continued opportunities to develop within the defensive system.
On November 18, 2025, the Raiders waived Smith, ending his tenure with the team. The following day, on November 19, 2025, the Los Angeles Rams claimed him off waivers, offering a fresh opportunity within a competitive NFC West roster. Smith joined the Rams’ secondary and special teams units as the season moved toward its final weeks.
On December 23, 2025, the Rams waived Smith, concluding his brief stint with the organization. As of the end of the 2025 season, he remains a free agent, and his professional outlook centers on securing a roster spot for the 2026 NFL season.