Last Updated on October 31, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Za’Darius Smith is an American professional football player who plays as a defensive end and outside linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 8, 1992, in Montgomery, Alabama, Smith played college football at East Mississippi Community College and the University of Kentucky before being selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Beyond his football career, Smith is a father of three children named Zadon, Zayvion, and Zoey. His parents are the late Sharon Smith and Robert Meeks, while his publicly identified siblings include Bob Meeks and Stephano. Smith also attracted attention for his relationship with rapper Kash Doll, although their current relationship status remains unclear.
Family has become particularly important in Smith’s life following the deaths of his mother, grandmother, and father. In 2026, he revealed that these losses influenced his decision to temporarily retire from professional football before returning to the NFL with Atlanta.
Za’Darius Smith’s Girlfriend: Is He Still Dating Kash Doll?
Za’Darius Smith was previously in a publicly documented relationship with American rapper and actress Kash Doll, whose real name is Arkeisha Antoinette Knight.
Their romance became public in early 2025, when the two were spotted together during a trip to Ghana. By April 2025, Kash Doll had openly discussed their relationship in an interview with actress and television personality Keke Palmer.
The couple subsequently appeared together at various public events, including the 2025 BET Awards in Los Angeles.
They also shared photographs and videos from vacations and family outings, attracting considerable attention from fans.
During their relationship, Smith and Kash Doll spent time with each other’s children. They attended family celebrations, visited Disney World, and appeared together at social gatherings.
However, their relationship experienced difficulties in August 2025.
On August 10, 2025, Kash Doll publicly announced that she and Smith had separated. She explained that although she considered him a good partner, they had been unable to resolve their differences.
Smith also acknowledged the separation through an Instagram Story indicating that he was single.
The breakup appeared to be temporary. On August 19, 2025, TMZ reported that the couple had reconciled after sharing photographs from a romantic vacation in Saint Lucia.
Their relationship continued into September 2025. In an interview published by the Philadelphia Eagles on September 20, Smith referred to Kash Doll as his girlfriend while discussing the television series Reasonable Doubt, in which she appeared.
Nevertheless, later reporting described their relationship as on-and-off. In March 2026, entertainment coverage indicated that Kash Doll intended to keep future romantic relationships private.
As of now, there is no sufficiently reliable public confirmation that Smith and Kash Doll remain together. Their current relationship status should therefore be considered unverified.
Za’Darius Smith’s Children: Meet Zadon, Zayvion and Zoey
Za’Darius Smith is the father of three publicly identified children: two sons, Zadon and Zayvion, and a daughter named Zoey.
Unlike some professional athletes who rarely discuss their children, Smith has spoken openly about fatherhood and the importance of spending time with his family.
In September 2025, he explained to reporters that three small letter Z tattoos on his neck represented his children.
At the time, the children ranged in age from two to eleven years old.
Zadon: Za’Darius Smith’s Eldest Son
Zadon is Za’Darius Smith’s eldest publicly identified child.
According to a September 2025 report by the Delaware News Journal, Zadon was approximately 11 years old at the time.
Smith revealed that he consulted his children about important professional decisions, including his return to football with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Although Zadon has been mentioned in interviews, Smith has not publicly disclosed extensive information about his education or personal interests.
His father’s decision to have his name represented in a tattoo demonstrates the importance of their relationship.
Zayvion Grayson Smith: Za’Darius Smith’s Second Son
Zayvion Grayson Smith is Za’Darius Smith’s second son. He was born on November 12, 2020, while his father was playing for the Green Bay Packers.
His birth received attention in November 2020 when Sports Illustrated reported that Smith planned to dedicate a sack celebration to his newborn son.
At the time, Smith discussed how he balanced his responsibilities as an NFL player with caring for a newborn.
He explained that he and his partner had developed a schedule for looking after Zayvion, allowing him to spend time with his baby after football practice while maintaining adequate rest before games.
In September 2025, Smith also shared a conversation with his younger son about returning to professional football.
Zayvion was beginning to understand that his father played football professionally and asked whether he was going back to work.
Smith described the conversation as an example of how his children influenced his professional decisions.
Zoey: Za’Darius Smith’s Daughter
Zoey is Za’Darius Smith’s publicly identified daughter.
In September 2025, Sports Illustrated reported that she was approximately two years old.
Zoey attracted public attention in June 2025 when Kash Doll surprised her with a personalized bracelet for her birthday.
According to The Shade Room, Smith shared photographs and videos showing Kash Doll presenting the birthday gift to his daughter.
The bracelet featured Zoey’s name, and the moment became one of the publicly documented examples of the relationship between Smith’s children and his then-girlfriend.
Smith has also discussed his daughter’s future interests. During a September 2025 interview with the Philadelphia Eagles, he mentioned that he could imagine supporting her as a cheerleader while coaching one of his sons in football.
Although Zoey has occasionally appeared in publicly shared family moments, most details about her childhood remain private.
Za’Darius Smith’s Parents: Meet Sharon Smith and Robert Meeks
Za’Darius Smith was born to Sharon Smith and Robert Meeks, according to his official University of Kentucky football biography.
His mother was particularly influential in his upbringing, helping raise him in Greenville, Alabama, where he developed an early passion for basketball.
His parents and extended family also provided important support throughout his transition into professional football.
Za’Darius Smith’s Mother: Sharon Smith
Za’Darius Smith’s mother was Sharon Smith, who played a central role in his personal development and athletic career.
During his childhood, Sharon initially opposed his involvement in American football because she was concerned about the risk of injuries.
Smith preferred basketball and dreamed of pursuing the sport professionally. However, after recognizing the difficulty of competing against much taller players, he decided to try football during his senior year at Greenville High School.
Sharon eventually supported his decision.
Her encouragement became especially meaningful when the Baltimore Ravens selected Smith in the 2015 NFL Draft.
As his professional career developed, Smith remained close to his mother and frequently acknowledged her sacrifices.
In 2019, after signing a four-year contract worth approximately $66 million with the Green Bay Packers, he surprised Sharon at work and encouraged her to retire.
His gesture attracted national attention and demonstrated his appreciation for everything she had done for him.
Sharon was also actively involved with Harrison Street Baptist Church in Greenville, Alabama, where she helped oversee the youth ministry.
Faith and church activities were important parts of the Smith family’s upbringing.
Unfortunately, Sharon died in February 2026 following a serious illness.
Smith later revealed that he had retired from the Philadelphia Eagles in October 2025 after learning from his mother’s doctor that she had limited time remaining.
He decided to step away from football so he could spend time with her during her final months.
After returning to professional football with the Atlanta Falcons in August 2026, Smith explained that his mother had always wanted him to play in Atlanta because the city was relatively close to their family home in Alabama.
On September 20, 2026, Smith honored one of her wishes by arranging transportation for 43 members of Harrison Street Baptist Church to attend a Falcons home game against the Carolina Panthers.
The gesture allowed members of his hometown church community to support him in person while celebrating his mother’s memory.
Za’Darius Smith’s Father: Robert Meeks
Za’Darius Smith’s father is identified as Robert Meeks in his official University of Kentucky athletics biography.
Unlike Sharon Smith, Robert maintained a relatively private public profile, and reliable sources provide limited information about his professional background and involvement in Za’Darius’s childhood.
However, Smith publicly acknowledged the death of his father during an emotional press conference in August 2026.
He explained that after losing his mother, he also experienced the deaths of his grandmother and father within a relatively short period.
The consecutive losses significantly affected his personal life and contributed to a difficult period following his temporary retirement from football.
Although the University of Kentucky identifies Robert Meeks as Smith’s father, the Falcons’ 2026 reporting about his father’s death did not independently specify the deceased man’s name.
Za’Darius Smith’s Siblings: Meet Bob Meeks and Stephano
Za’Darius Smith has at least two publicly identified older brothers: Bob Meeks and Stephano.
Both have been mentioned in reliable sports reporting, although their professional backgrounds and relationships with Smith differ.
Bob Meeks: Za’Darius Smith’s Older Brother
Bob Meeks is an older brother of Za’Darius Smith and a former professional football player.
According to the University of Kentucky’s official athletics biography, Bob played college football as a center for Auburn University between 1988 and 1991.
He subsequently spent time with the Denver Broncos in the NFL.
His football background makes him one of several members of Smith’s extended family with experience in professional or collegiate athletics.
Bob was already involved in college football before Za’Darius was born, reflecting the significant age difference between the two brothers.
Although they share a family connection and experience in football, reliable reports do not provide extensive information about their current personal relationship.
Stephano: Za’Darius Smith’s Older Brother
Stephano is another older brother of Za’Darius Smith. He was featured in a September 2026 article published by the Atlanta Falcons.
According to the report, Stephano is approximately ten years older than Za’Darius and helped look after him during childhood.
Because their mother sometimes worked at night, Stephano took on responsibilities for caring for his younger brother.
The brothers spent considerable time together, including attending Harrison Street Baptist Church and participating in family activities.
Stephano recalled that Za’Darius frequently accompanied him wherever he went.
In September 2026, Stephano was among the family and church members who traveled from Greenville to Atlanta to watch Smith play for the Falcons.
He carried a photograph honoring their late mother, Sharon, and grandmother, JoAnne Smith.
His participation in the event highlighted the close relationship between the brothers and their shared commitment to preserving their family’s memories.
Za’Darius Smith’s Extended Family
Za’Darius Smith also comes from an extended family with several publicly documented connections to athletics.
His cousin Davern Williams played college football at Troy University and spent time with the New York Giants.
His niece Kristi Mokube played college basketball at Florida State University, according to his Kentucky athletics biography.
He is also the uncle of Jackson Meeks, a professional football player who joined the Detroit Lions in 2025.
Another important family member was his grandmother, JoAnne Smith, whose death was publicly acknowledged in 2026.
Smith’s maternal aunt, Wanda Smith, has also spoken about the family’s close relationships and the importance of their church community.
Za’Darius Smith’s Family Background and Early Life
Za’Darius Smith was born on September 8, 1992, in Montgomery, Alabama, and grew up in Greenville.
During his childhood, he was particularly interested in basketball. He attended Greenville High School, where he initially hoped to earn a college scholarship through his performances on the basketball court.
However, after participating in more competitive basketball events, Smith recognized that his height and playing style might limit his prospects.
He eventually turned to football during his senior year, encouraged by high school coach Ben Blackmon.
Despite having limited experience, he quickly demonstrated the athletic abilities needed to succeed as a defensive player.
Smith subsequently attended East Mississippi Community College before transferring to the University of Kentucky.
His performances at Kentucky helped him attract attention from NFL scouts, and the Baltimore Ravens selected him with the 122nd overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
He later played for the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, and Philadelphia Eagles.
In October 2025, Smith unexpectedly announced his retirement while playing for Philadelphia.
He later revealed that the decision had been motivated by his mother’s serious illness.
Following the deaths of his mother, grandmother, and father, Smith eventually resumed training and began considering an NFL comeback.
In August 2026, he signed with the Atlanta Falcons, fulfilling a wish his mother had expressed during her lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions About Za’Darius Smith’s Family
Who is Za’Darius Smith’s girlfriend?
Za’Darius Smith previously dated rapper Kash Doll, whose real name is Arkeisha Antoinette Knight. Their relationship was publicly documented in 2025, but their current status remains unverified.
Is Za’Darius Smith married?
As of now, there is no reliable public confirmation that Za’Darius Smith is married.
How many children does Za’Darius Smith have?
Za’Darius Smith has three publicly confirmed children: Zadon, Zayvion, and Zoey.
Who is Za’Darius Smith’s eldest son?
His eldest publicly identified son is Zadon, who was approximately 11 years old in September 2025.
Who is Zayvion Grayson Smith?
Zayvion Grayson Smith is Za’Darius Smith’s second son. He was born on November 12, 2020.
Who is Za’Darius Smith’s daughter?
His daughter is named Zoey. She was approximately two years old in September 2025.
Who is Za’Darius Smith’s mother?
His mother was Sharon Smith, who died in February 2026. She played an important role in his upbringing and supported his professional football career.
Who is Za’Darius Smith’s father?
His University of Kentucky biography identifies Robert Meeks as his father. Smith also publicly announced that his father had died before August 2026.
Does Za’Darius Smith have siblings?
Yes. His publicly identified older brothers include former NFL player Bob Meeks and Stephano, who helped care for him during childhood.
Who is Za’Darius Smith’s nephew in the NFL?
Za’Darius Smith is the uncle of Jackson Meeks, who joined the Detroit Lions in 2025.
Where is Za’Darius Smith from?
He was born in Montgomery, Alabama, and grew up in Greenville, Alabama.
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.
