Last Updated on October 27, 2026 by Tanos Potter

Nolan Smith Jr.’s family has played an important role in his journey from Savannah, Georgia, to becoming a Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles. The NFL outside linebacker, whose full name is Nolan Sental Smith Jr., was born on January 18, 2001, in Savannah, Georgia, United States.
Smith grew up in a hardworking household led by his mother, Chakeima Bigham, who raised him and his brothers as a single parent. Her sacrifices, encouragement and dedication helped him become one of the country’s most highly recruited high school football players.
The former Georgia Bulldogs star also has a younger brother named Cam’Ron Thompson, who followed his example by pursuing a college football career.
Beyond his immediate family, Smith maintains close relationships with his grandparents and godmother, who helped shape his childhood in Savannah.
Although Smith has publicly discussed his mother, brothers and extended family, he has maintained considerable privacy regarding his romantic relationships and whether he has children.
Here is everything publicly known about Nolan Smith Jr.’s girlfriend, children, parents, siblings and family background.
Nolan Smith Jr.’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Nolan Smith Jr.’s girlfriend is Aubrey Deitch.
They met at the University of Georgia (UGA) during their freshman year in 2019, and officially began dating a bit later, around the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Aubrey, a native of Ashland, Kentucky, graduated from UGA with a degree in Public Relations and has been a constant source of support in the player’s life, accompanying him through his transition from college football to the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Nolan Smith Jr.’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
As of now, there is no publicly confirmed information establishing that Nolan Smith Jr. has children.
The Philadelphia Eagles player has not made a verified announcement regarding the birth of a son or daughter.
However, Smith has previously discussed his hopes of becoming a father.
During a May 2023 interview with the Philadelphia Eagles, he spoke about learning from experienced teammates and wanting to become a good father in the future.
He explained that building relationships with older players could help him develop qualities that would be valuable beyond football, including fatherhood.
His comments reflected his interest in creating a supportive family environment similar to the one his mother provided during childhood.
Nevertheless, expressing an ambition to become a father does not establish that he currently has children.
Smith has also demonstrated a strong commitment to helping young people through his charitable organization, the Nolan Smith Foundation.
The foundation organizes football camps, bicycle giveaways, food drives and other programs benefiting children and families.
Although these activities demonstrate his interest in supporting younger generations, they should not be confused with information about children of his own.
Until reliable information becomes available, his parental status should be considered undisclosed.
Nolan Smith Jr.’s Parents: Who Are His Mother and Father?
Nolan Smith Jr. was raised by his mother, Chakeima Bigham, in Savannah, Georgia.
His mother played the central role in raising him and his brothers, while detailed information about his biological father remains limited.
Smith has repeatedly credited his mother’s sacrifices and the strong work ethic of his extended family for helping him develop into a professional athlete.
Nolan Smith Jr.’s Mother: Chakeima Bigham
Chakeima Bigham is Nolan Smith Jr.’s mother and one of the most important influences in his life.
Her identity is confirmed by the Philadelphia Eagles’ official player biography and interviews published by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Some secondary publications have referred to her as Chakeima Thompson, but the Eagles’ official records identify her as Chakeima Bigham.
Bigham raised her children as a single mother while working hard to provide food, clothing, education and opportunities to participate in sports.
During Smith’s childhood, the family experienced financial difficulties.
Published accounts of his upbringing describe how his mother worked at an Enmark gas station in Savannah to help support the household.
Despite her demanding responsibilities, she made sure her children could attend school, football practices and other activities.
Smith has publicly acknowledged that his mother sometimes sacrificed her own comfort to provide for her children.
In a Mother’s Day tribute shared in May 2021, he expressed appreciation for her determination and recalled how she continued providing for the family during difficult periods.
Her example taught him the importance of responsibility, perseverance and supporting people close to him.
How Chakeima Bigham Influenced Nolan Smith’s Football Career
Chakeima Bigham was involved in Nolan Smith’s athletic development from an early age.
According to a May 2023 Philadelphia Eagles interview, Smith began playing organized football when he was approximately four years old.
His mother initially worried about the physical nature of the sport.
However, after watching her son compete and develop confidence, she became more comfortable with his participation.
Smith earned the childhood nickname “Headhunter” because of his aggressive defensive playing style.
As his football abilities improved, his mother continued encouraging him to pursue opportunities beyond Savannah.
During high school, Smith eventually transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, one of the country’s most prominent athletic development programs.
Living away from home required independence, but his mother’s encouragement helped him adjust.
After he became a highly recruited football prospect, Bigham continued supporting his ambitions.
Her commitment remained important throughout his college career at the University of Georgia and his eventual transition to the NFL.
Why Nolan Smith Jr. Wears Number 3 for His Mother
One of the most meaningful connections between Nolan Smith Jr. and his mother is his Philadelphia Eagles jersey number.
According to the team’s official biography, Smith wears No. 3 in honor of Chakeima Bigham.
His mother previously wore the same number while competing in high school sports in Savannah.
She played basketball and maintained an interest in athletics long before her son became a professional football player.
When Smith joined Philadelphia in 2023, he selected the number as a tribute to her influence.
In May 2023, Bigham celebrated the connection on social media, expressing happiness that her son would wear her former high school number in the NFL.
The decision reflected Smith’s gratitude for the sacrifices she made throughout his childhood.
As of now, he continues wearing No. 3 with the Eagles.
Nolan Smith Jr.’s Father: What Is Known About Him?
Nolan Smith Jr.’s biological father has not been reliably identified by name in major public reporting.
Although the player uses the suffix “Jr.,” authoritative football biographies do not provide enough information to confirm his father’s full identity or personal background.
In interviews, Smith has described growing up in a household where his mother raised him and his brothers on her own.
His official Philadelphia Eagles family profile emphasizes his mother’s hard work and the influence of his grandparents.
However, these accounts do not establish the circumstances of his relationship with his father.
It would therefore be inaccurate to assign a name, profession or personal history to Smith’s father without reliable evidence.
As of now, details about his father’s identity and involvement in his life remain private.
Nolan Smith Jr.’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Nolan Smith Jr. has brothers, including a younger brother named Cam’Ron Thompson.
His family relationships have been documented by the Philadelphia Eagles and Savannah Morning News.
During a May 2023 interview with the Eagles, Smith described growing up with his brothers in Savannah.
However, not all their names and ages have been consistently documented in authoritative public reporting.
Cam’Ron is the sibling whose athletic career and relationship with Nolan have received the most media attention.
Cam’Ron Thompson – Nolan Smith Jr.’s Younger Brother
Cam’Ron Thompson is Nolan Smith Jr.’s younger brother and a talented American football offensive lineman.
He grew up in Savannah, Georgia, and attended Jenkins High School, where he became an important member of the football team.
Unlike Nolan, who specializes in rushing opposing quarterbacks, Cam’Ron developed as an offensive lineman.
In July 2024, Savannah Morning News published a detailed interview about Cam’Ron’s ambitions and his relationship with Nolan.
At the time, Thompson was approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighed 325 pounds.
His physical abilities and performances helped attract scholarship offers from several major college football programs.
Those programs included Auburn, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Ole Miss, North Carolina State and Texas A&M.
During the interview, Cam’Ron praised Nolan for being an example of both athletic excellence and strong personal character.
He explained that growing up in the same household allowed him to observe his brother’s dedication and training habits.
Nolan also helped Cam’Ron improve his conditioning and offensive line techniques.
During the summer of 2024, the brothers spent approximately two weeks training together in Southern California.
The experience allowed Cam’Ron to learn about the physical demands and preparation required at the professional level.
Nolan encouraged his younger brother to pursue his own ambitions rather than simply copy his achievements.
Their relationship reflects a strong connection built around football, family loyalty and personal development.
Cam’Ron Thompson’s College Football Career
Cam’Ron Thompson’s high school performances attracted considerable attention from college football recruiters.
He developed into a promising interior offensive line prospect while competing in Georgia.
During his recruitment, he received scholarship offers from numerous Division I football programs.
In 2025, Thompson announced his commitment to Mississippi State University as a member of its 2026 recruiting class.
The decision provided an opportunity to follow his older brother’s example by competing in the Southeastern Conference.
Nolan previously played in the SEC at Georgia before entering the NFL.
Cam’Ron has described his older brother’s achievements as an important source of motivation.
The brothers also shared a memorable experience during Super Bowl LIX in February 2025.
Cam’Ron traveled to New Orleans with his mother to support Nolan as Philadelphia faced the Kansas City Chiefs.
After the Eagles secured the championship, Cam’Ron celebrated his brother’s achievement and expressed his ambition to experience similar success.
Does Nolan Smith Jr. Have Other Brothers or Sisters?
The Philadelphia Eagles’ official reporting refers to Nolan Smith growing up with multiple brothers.
Cam’Ron Thompson is one publicly identified sibling, but reliable sources do not consistently establish the names of all the others.
Some secondary biographies give different counts of the children raised by Chakeima Bigham.
Because of these inconsistencies, it is more accurate to acknowledge that Smith has brothers without presenting an unverified total.
There is also insufficient authoritative information to establish whether he has any sisters.
As of now, Cam’Ron remains the most extensively documented of Nolan Smith Jr.’s siblings.
Nolan Smith Jr.’s Grandparents: Important Family Influences
Beyond his mother and brothers, Nolan Smith Jr.’s grandparents helped shape his upbringing in Savannah.
During a November 2020 interview with the University of Georgia, Smith explained that he spent considerable time with his grandmother and grandfather during childhood.
He credited those experiences with helping him develop practical skills, including cooking and household maintenance.
Smith also discussed his grandparents’ strong work ethic during a 2023 interview with the Philadelphia Eagles.
He explained that even in their mid-60s, they continued getting up early to work.
Their dedication provided an example that encouraged him to remain disciplined throughout his athletic career.
Although his grandparents’ full names have not been reliably documented in the interviews reviewed, their influence on his personal development is clear.
Nolan Smith Jr.’s Godmother: Karen Hamilton-Thompson
Another important member of Nolan Smith Jr.’s extended family network is Karen Hamilton-Thompson, his godmother.
Her relationship with Smith was documented by WJCL during its coverage of the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory in February 2025.
Hamilton-Thompson has served as a senior unit director at the Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club in Savannah.
The organization was an important part of Smith’s childhood, providing a place where he could participate in activities and receive encouragement.
His godmother and other staff members watched him develop from a young boy into a successful athlete.
Following his NFL achievements, Smith returned to support the organization through charitable activities.
Hamilton-Thompson publicly expressed pride in his accomplishments and his commitment to helping children in the same community where he grew up.
Her involvement reflects the important role extended family and community mentors played in Smith’s upbringing.
Nolan Smith Jr.’s Family Background and Childhood in Savannah
Nolan Smith Jr. grew up in Savannah, Georgia, where football, family responsibilities and community activities were important parts of his childhood.
His mother raised him and his brothers while working to provide financial stability.
Smith also spent time with his grandparents, developing an appreciation for cooking, outdoor activities and hands-on work.
He began playing football at approximately four years old and quickly developed an aggressive defensive playing style.
During his early school years, he attended Calvary Day School in Savannah.
He played multiple positions, including defensive lineman and running back, before focusing more closely on defense.
His athletic ability eventually attracted attention from major recruiting programs.
In January 2017, Smith transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
He became one of the country’s most highly regarded high school football prospects.
Recruiting services, including 247Sports, ranked him among the leading players in the 2019 recruiting class.
Despite receiving scholarship opportunities from several major universities, Smith ultimately chose the University of Georgia.
His decision allowed him to compete at one of the country’s most prominent football programs while remaining relatively close to his hometown.
How Nolan Smith Jr.’s Mother Influenced His College Career
Smith joined the Georgia Bulldogs football program in January 2019.
His transition to college required considerable academic and athletic discipline.
He initially pursued civil engineering before shifting his academic focus toward mathematics.
During his freshman year, Smith became roommates with fellow defensive players Nakobe Dean and Travon Walker.
The three developed strong friendships while balancing university coursework and demanding football schedules.
Smith and Dean frequently studied together and developed a relationship that continued into their NFL careers.
On the field, Smith became a valuable member of Georgia’s defense.
He contributed to the Bulldogs’ national championship victory following the 2021 season.
During the 2022 season, a torn pectoral muscle ended his playing campaign prematurely.
However, he remained part of the Georgia team that won a second consecutive national championship.
Despite the injury, Smith remained determined to pursue an NFL career.
He worked intensively through rehabilitation and later impressed scouts during the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine.
Throughout his college career, his mother’s encouragement and the values introduced during his Savannah upbringing remained important sources of motivation.
Nolan Smith Jr.’s NFL Career and His Family’s Support
On April 27, 2023, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Nolan Smith Jr. in the first round of the NFL Draft with the 30th overall pick.
His selection reunited him with several former Georgia Bulldogs teammates, including Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean.
Smith entered the NFL with a reputation for his speed, explosiveness and ability to pressure quarterbacks.
At the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds and recorded a 41.5-inch vertical jump.
He initially spent much of his rookie season developing behind experienced Philadelphia defensive players.
During the 2024 season, his responsibilities increased, and he established himself as an important member of the Eagles’ defense.
He recorded 6.5 sacks during the regular season and contributed another four sacks during Philadelphia’s postseason championship run.
On February 9, 2025, Smith helped the Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.
The championship represented a major milestone for Smith and his family.
His mother and younger brother Cam’Ron celebrated the achievement, reflecting the importance of their shared journey from Savannah to professional football.
As of now, Smith continues his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles while maintaining strong connections to his family and hometown.
The Nolan Smith Foundation and His Mother’s Community Work
One of the most distinctive aspects of Nolan Smith Jr.’s family story is his commitment to helping children and families in Savannah.
After establishing himself as a professional football player, he created the Nolan Smith Foundation.
The organization uses his football platform to provide opportunities and resources for young people.
One of its best-known initiatives is Pups Day Out, an annual youth football camp held in Savannah.
The event provides young athletes with opportunities to learn football techniques and receive advice about education, discipline and personal development.
Smith has also organized bicycle giveaways, Thanksgiving food drives and charitable fundraising events.
His mother, Chakeima Bigham, has been closely involved in several of these activities.
In March 2026, WJCL reported that Smith organized a charity golf tournament benefiting community projects in Savannah.
The event supported programs including bicycle giveaways, food distribution and youth activities.
Bigham publicly expressed pride in her son’s commitment to helping children in their hometown.
The foundation has also supported the Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club, where Smith spent considerable time during childhood.
For Smith, returning to support the organization represents an opportunity to help children facing challenges similar to those he experienced while growing up.
His charitable work demonstrates how the values of hard work, generosity and community responsibility passed down through his family continue influencing his life.
Nolan Smith Jr.’s Relationship With His Georgia Teammates
Although they are not biological relatives, Nolan Smith Jr. has developed close relationships with several former University of Georgia teammates.
These friendships became particularly significant after multiple Bulldogs players joined the Philadelphia Eagles.
Smith shares an especially close relationship with Nakobe Dean, his former college roommate.
The two supported each other through demanding university coursework, football competitions and personal challenges.
Smith also developed strong bonds with Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter and Kelee Ringo.
Their mothers became friends during the players’ college careers and maintained those relationships after their sons entered the NFL.
In January 2025, The Philadelphia Inquirer described how the mothers formed a supportive group known as Moms on the Move.
Smith’s mother, Chakeima Bigham, became closely connected with the other families.
The group regularly attends games, communicates through group messages and supports charitable activities.
Although these relationships are not biological family connections, they have helped Smith maintain a strong support network during his professional career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nolan Smith Jr.’s Family
Who is Nolan Smith Jr.’s girlfriend?
Nolan Smith Jr.’s girlfriend is Aubrey Deitch.
Does Nolan Smith Jr. have children?
As of now, Nolan Smith Jr. has not publicly confirmed having any children. He has previously discussed his hopes of becoming a father in the future.
Who is Nolan Smith Jr.’s mother?
Nolan Smith Jr.’s mother is Chakeima Bigham, who raised him and his brothers in Savannah, Georgia.
Who is Nolan Smith Jr.’s father?
Nolan Smith Jr.’s biological father has not been reliably identified in authoritative public reporting. His mother raised him and his brothers as a single parent.
Does Nolan Smith Jr. have siblings?
Yes. Nolan Smith Jr. has brothers, including Cam’Ron Thompson. However, the complete names and number of his siblings have not been consistently established in reliable public sources.
Who is Nolan Smith Jr.’s brother Cam’Ron Thompson?
Cam’Ron Thompson is Nolan Smith Jr.’s younger brother and an offensive lineman who played high school football in Savannah before committing to Mississippi State’s 2026 recruiting class.
Why does Nolan Smith Jr. wear number 3?
Nolan Smith Jr. wears No. 3 in honor of his mother, Chakeima Bigham, who wore the same number while participating in high school sports in Savannah.
Who is Nolan Smith Jr.’s godmother?
His godmother is Karen Hamilton-Thompson, who has worked at the Frank Callen Boys and Girls Club in Savannah.
Where is Nolan Smith Jr. from?
Nolan Smith Jr. was born and raised in Savannah, Georgia. He attended Calvary Day School before transferring to IMG Academy in Florida.
How old is Nolan Smith Jr.?
Nolan Smith Jr. was born on January 18, 2001. He is 25 years old in 2026.
What is Nolan Smith Jr.’s full name?
His full name is Nolan Sental Smith Jr., according to his University of Georgia football biography and professional football records.
Which college did Nolan Smith Jr. attend?
He attended the University of Georgia, where he played college football from 2019 to 2022 and won two national championships.
Has Nolan Smith Jr. won a Super Bowl?
Yes. Nolan Smith Jr. won Super Bowl LIX with the Philadelphia Eagles in February 2025.

Tanos Potter is a sports journalist and NFL analyst dedicated to bringing fans closer to the gridiron through deep tactical analysis and roster coverage. He breaks down offensive and defensive schemes, quarterback performance, trade moves, and top Draft prospects. Tracking action across both the AFC and NFC, Tanos translates complex playbooks and statistics into engaging, actionable insights for football enthusiasts.
