Dawuane Smoot
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
| Position | College | Years in the NFL |
|---|---|---|
| Outside Linebacker | University of Illinois | 7 |
Demonstrates Excellence on the Field
On the field, the seven-year veteran has played a prominent role on the Jaguars' defense. His 90 games played are the most by a defensive player drafted by the Jaguars on the active roster. Since Smoot was drafted in 2017, he has posted 123 total tackles, 62 quarterback hits, 23.5 sacks, five passes defensed, and five forced fumbles. His 23.5 sacks are the ninth-most sacks recorded by a Jaguar in team history.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts this Year
Smoot serves as an ambassador for the Jaguars' Literacy Locker Rooms, actively engaging with local elementary and middle school students to emphasize the importance of literacy. At each event, he contributes to the distribution of 500 free books to children. Moreover, his commitment to youth education has inspired him and his wife to establish The Elsie Academy in Jacksonville. Set to open by the end of this year, the academy will provide a curriculum grounded in Biblical principles, individualized academic attention, and a nurturing environment fostering excellence. The Elsie Academy hopes to leave a lasting impact on the Jacksonville community for generations to come.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts in Years Past
In 2022, Smoot hosted an exclusive free movie screening of Black Panther 2 for children from Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Northeast Florida and Better Dads Society, the organization Smoot represented during the 2021 My Cause My Cleats campaign. The movie screening allowed children to enjoy the movie alongside Smoot and his teammates.
Over the holidays, Smoot participates in the Jaguars' annual Shop with a Jaguar program, providing children from underserved areas of Jacksonville an unforgettable holiday shopping spree. He is also a regular participant in Jaguars Foundation events and one to always step up to serve the Jacksonville community.
Demonstrates Consistency in Positive Character and Models a Lifestyle of Giving Back
Smoot is a large supporter of and contributor to Jaguars' annual food insecurity events, including food distributions with local food banks in northeast Florida and the team's Taste of the NFL to help raise funds for thousands of families needing support.
He has also shown a strong passion for helping young kids and enjoys mentoring youth through education. He is leading the charge in STEM education, making significant donations to the Jacksonville Arts and Music School (JAMS) to assist with computers and resources. Smoot has even helped teach a 12-course computer workshop, providing computer, coding, and networking education, alongside his wife, Aumari. During the 2020 NFL My Cause My Cleats campaign, he collaborated with JAMS students to help produce his cleat design.
