T.J. Smith Bio
Fredrick “T. J.” Smith is an American professional football defensive tackle who has spent time with multiple National Football League franchises since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2020. Born on April 19, 1997, in Moultrie, Georgia, Smith developed into a reliable interior lineman after a college career with the Arkansas Razorbacks. He is currently listed on the Tennessee Titans roster following a journeyman start to his NFL career.
Standing at the listed height of six feet three inches and playing at 300 pounds, Smith has built his professional profile through work on the practice squad and limited stints on active rosters. His career path has included stops with the Los Angeles Chargers, Minnesota Vikings, and Carolina Panthers, reflecting the perseverance that defines many late-bloomer professional athletes.
Early Life and Background
T.J. Smith was born in Moultrie, Georgia, to Frederick and Avis Smith. Growing up in a small Southern city, Smith was introduced to football at a young age and developed his early skills through local youth programs and school teams. His parents supported his athletic development throughout his formative years.
Smith originally attended North Stanly High School in New London, North Carolina, where he earned all-state recognition as a high school football player. The recognition highlighted his ability as a defensive lineman at the prep level and drew attention from college recruiters. Before his senior year, he transferred to Colquitt County High School back in his home state of Georgia.
At Colquitt County, Smith helped his team win the state title in their respective region, completing one of the more decorated high school stretches in the program. His high school performance set the stage for a college recruitment process that saw him rated as the 142nd best player in the nation by ESPN.
Path to American Football
After his standout high school career, Smith initially committed to Vanderbilt before deciding to attend Arkansas instead. The decision redirected his college path to the Southeastern Conference, where he would compete at a higher level of competition. He joined the Arkansas Razorbacks as a defensive tackle prospect with significant upside.
Smith redshirted his freshman year to develop his body and learn the Arkansas defensive scheme. In his redshirt freshman season, he saw action in only five games and posted minimal statistics as he continued adjusting to the speed and physicality of college football. The patience shown by both player and program began to pay off the following season.
As a sophomore, Smith started all twelve games and dramatically improved his production, increasing his tackle total from four the prior year to twenty-six. His development continued into his junior season, when he once again played in all twelve games and helped Arkansas tally a team total of 882 tackles that year. Smith started all twelve games as a senior in his final college season, cementing his role as a reliable contributor on the Razorbacks defensive front.
T.J. Smith Career
Early Career (2020)
After going undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft, T.J. Smith signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent. The signing represented his first opportunity to compete at the professional level and gave him a chance to refine his skills inside an established NFL defensive scheme. Smith spent the entirety of the 2020 regular season on the practice squad.
Although he did not appear in regular-season games for the Chargers, the practice squad experience allowed Smith to adjust to the professional game. He was released by Los Angeles before the 2021 regular season, ending his first NFL chapter but opening the door for the next opportunity.
Minnesota Vikings Era (2021-2023)
Midway through the 2021 NFL season, the Minnesota Vikings signed Smith to their practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster before the Week 12 game against the San Francisco 49ers, marking his first call-up to a regular-season game day roster. Smith then signed a reserve and future contract with the Vikings on January 10, 2022.
Heading into the 2022 season, Smith was waived on August 30 before being re-signed to the practice squad the next day. He signed another reserve and future contract on January 20, 2023, signaling the Vikings continued interest in his development. Smith was again waived on August 29, 2023, and signed back to the practice squad the following day. He was promoted to the active roster on December 30, 2023, providing another late-season opportunity to contribute.
Carolina Panthers Era (2024)
On May 13, 2024, Smith signed with the Carolina Panthers, beginning another chapter in his NFL journey. He was waived on August 27, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad shortly thereafter. The cycle of movement between the active roster and practice squad reflected the narrow margins that shape the careers of late-round and undrafted defensive linemen.
Smith was promoted to the Carolina Panthers active roster on October 19, 2024, and was released and re-signed to the practice squad again on October 23, 2024. The repeated practice squad activity gave him continued exposure to the Panthers defensive system while keeping him ready for elevation when needed.
Tennessee Titans Era (2025)
On August 18, 2025, Smith signed with the Tennessee Titans, joining a new defensive front and reuniting with a fresh opportunity. The signing was part of the Titans late-summer roster construction as the team prepared for the regular season. Smith was released by the Titans during preliminary roster cuts on August 25, 2025.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Smith career came with his first elevation to an active roster ahead of the Vikings Week 12 game against the San Francisco 49ers in 2021. Multiple practice squad contracts, future contracts, and roster promotions across the Vikings, Panthers, and Titans illustrate a journeyman path built on perseverance and continuous preparation.
T.J. Smith Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
T.J. Smith was raised by his parents, Frederick and Avis Smith, in Moultrie, Georgia. His father and mother provided the support system that allowed him to pursue football seriously through high school and into college. Their backing was particularly important as Smith moved between North Carolina and Georgia during his high school years.
Personal Life
Smith is known publicly by his nickname T.J., a shortened form of his given name Fredrick. He has kept most of his personal and family life private throughout his professional career, with limited publicly verified details about relationships or dependents.
2025 Season Performance
Smith entered the 2025 NFL calendar as a free agent looking to secure a roster spot ahead of training camp. His August 18, 2025 signing with the Tennessee Titans represented the latest in a series of summer opportunities for the veteran defensive tackle. The late-August window gave him a brief audition within the Titans defensive rotation.
Smith was released by the Titans during preliminary roster cuts on August 25, 2025, ending his short tenure with the team before the regular season. The release kept him available to sign with another franchise looking for interior defensive line depth during the early weeks of the season.
Looking ahead, Smith prospects for the 2025 season depend on securing a practice squad or active roster opportunity with another team. His track record of practice squad elevations and reserve and future contracts suggests he remains a viable depth option for NFL defensive lines seeking experienced camp bodies.