Last Updated on November 2, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
Roquan Smith is an American professional football player who plays as an inside linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League (NFL). Born on April 8, 1997, in Georgia, Smith has established himself as one of the league’s leading defensive players since being selected by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Beyond his football achievements, Roquan Smith maintains strong relationships with his family. His parents, Roderick Smith and Shaquana Thomas, supported him throughout his childhood, while his three siblings, Rod Smith, Tyanna Richards, and Omar Richards, were part of his upbringing in Georgia.
Smith has also credited his grandparents, aunt, and other relatives with helping him develop the discipline and values that eventually contributed to his professional success. Although his family background is well documented, he maintains considerable privacy regarding his romantic relationships and possible children.
Here is what is publicly known about Roquan Smith’s girlfriend, children, parents, siblings, and family background.
Roquan Smith’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
As of now, Roquan Smith has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or romantic partner.
The Baltimore Ravens linebacker has attracted considerable media attention throughout his professional career, particularly because of his defensive performances, leadership qualities, and charitable activities.
However, Smith has generally avoided discussing his romantic relationships in interviews with the Ravens and other major sports publications.
Although several entertainment websites have published articles about his dating life, reliable reporting has not established the identity of a current girlfriend.
There is also no sufficiently reliable public confirmation that Smith is married or engaged.
His interviews frequently focus on his upbringing in Georgia, his experiences with the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens, and his desire to support disadvantaged communities.
Consequently, his current relationship status remains undisclosed. The absence of public information should not be interpreted as confirmation that he is single.
Roquan Smith’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
As of now, Roquan Smith has no publicly confirmed children.
Neither his official Baltimore Ravens biography nor reliable interviews about his family identify him as the father of a son or daughter.
Smith has frequently demonstrated his affection for children through charitable activities, particularly programs supporting disadvantaged families and young people.
He established the Roquan Smith Foundation to provide educational opportunities, community support, and resources for children and families facing difficult circumstances.
However, his involvement in charitable programs should not be confused with information about his own parental status.
There are no verified public details about the names, ages, or birth dates of any children belonging to the linebacker.
Therefore, whether Smith has children remains unconfirmed in reliable public reporting.
Roquan Smith’s Parents
Roquan Smith was born to Roderick Smith and Shaquana Thomas in Georgia.
He grew up in Macon County, a rural area in central Georgia, where his parents worked hard to provide for their family.
According to a January 2018 family profile published by DawgNation, both parents maintained demanding jobs during Smith’s childhood.
Because they frequently spent long hours working, other relatives and community members also helped provide guidance and stability during his early years.
Shaquana Thomas – Roquan Smith’s Mother
Shaquana Thomas is Roquan Smith’s mother and one of the most important influences in his life.
She played a central role in raising him and encouraging his participation in organized football.
According to DawgNation, Shaquana lived in Oglethorpe, Georgia, and worked full-time at Fort Valley State University.
Her employment required her to travel approximately 30 minutes each day, meaning she often spent considerable time away from home while supporting her family.
Despite those responsibilities, she remained involved in her children’s development.
Smith’s introduction to football came when he was approximately six years old.
During a September 2024 interview with WBAL-TV, he recalled how a local recreation league football coach visited the family’s home.
The coach knew that Roquan’s older brother already played football and wanted to know whether Roquan would also be interested.
Shaquana discussed the opportunity with her son before allowing him to participate.
Smith eagerly accepted the invitation, beginning an athletic journey that eventually led him to the NFL.
His mother continued supporting his ambitions throughout high school and college.
In a 2017 interview with 41NBC News, Shaquana recalled how her son’s physical development surprised people in their community.
She explained that his size and strength increased considerably during his teenage years, making him stand out among other young athletes.
Shaquana also attended important career events, including the 2018 NFL Draft, when the Chicago Bears selected Smith with the eighth overall pick.
Her longstanding support has remained an important part of his personal story.
Roderick Smith – Roquan Smith’s Father
Roderick Smith is Roquan Smith’s father.
His identity was confirmed in a January 19, 2018, DawgNation article examining the linebacker’s upbringing in Macon County, Georgia.
According to the report, Roderick worked in construction and lived in Macon, approximately an hour from where Roquan spent much of his childhood.
His work responsibilities meant that he was frequently away from the family home during the day.
Nevertheless, Roderick was identified as part of the family network that supported Smith as he grew up.
Smith’s parents faced the financial pressures associated with raising children while maintaining demanding employment schedules.
Those circumstances contributed to the involvement of grandparents, extended relatives, and trusted community members in Roquan’s upbringing.
Although his father’s name and occupation have been documented, additional information about Roderick’s personal life remains limited.
Roquan Smith’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Roquan Smith has three publicly identified siblings: an older brother named Rod Smith, a younger sister named Tyanna Richards, and a younger brother named Omar Richards.
Their names and relationships were documented in DawgNation’s January 2018 report about Smith’s childhood and family background.
Growing up with his siblings helped shape his interest in athletics, particularly football.
His older brother was already participating in organized football when Roquan was introduced to the sport.
Although the siblings have been identified in reliable reporting, they generally maintain private lives away from the attention surrounding their brother’s NFL career.
Rod Smith – Roquan Smith’s Older Brother
Rod Smith is Roquan Smith’s older brother.
According to DawgNation, Rod is approximately one year older than the Baltimore Ravens linebacker.
He played an indirect but important role in Roquan’s introduction to football.
When Roquan was a young child, a local recreation league coach approached their mother because Rod was already involved in the sport.
The coach wanted to know whether Roquan would also consider joining the team.
After receiving encouragement from his mother, Roquan began attending football practices.
During a 2024 interview with WBAL-TV, Smith confirmed that his older brother’s involvement in football helped create that opportunity.
Roquan’s enthusiasm for the sport eventually developed into a successful college and professional career.
Although Rod’s role in his brother’s early athletic development is documented, additional verified information about his current occupation and personal life remains limited.
Tyanna Richards – Roquan Smith’s Younger Sister
Tyanna Richards is Roquan Smith’s younger sister.
She was identified in DawgNation’s 2018 family profile alongside Roquan’s other siblings.
Tyanna grew up as part of the extended family network that helped support the future NFL linebacker during his childhood in Georgia.
However, unlike her brother, Tyanna has generally remained outside mainstream sports media coverage.
Reliable public information about her occupation, education, or personal relationships is limited.
Consequently, additional details about Tyanna’s private life cannot be established without verified reporting.
Omar Richards – Roquan Smith’s Younger Brother
Omar Richards is Roquan Smith’s younger brother.
Like Tyanna, Omar was identified in the DawgNation article about the linebacker’s family background.
He grew up in Georgia as part of the family supported by Roderick Smith, Shaquana Thomas, and other relatives.
Although Roquan has become a prominent public figure through his NFL career, little information has been published about Omar’s individual achievements or professional activities.
There are no sufficiently reliable reports establishing whether Omar pursued a career in professional athletics.
His personal life therefore remains largely private.
Roquan Smith’s Grandparents and Extended Family
Roquan Smith’s upbringing was influenced by several extended family members who provided support when his parents were working.
Among those publicly identified are his grandfather, Nathaniel Lamb, his grandmother, Betty Smith, and his aunt, Shaquwanda Baker.
Another influential figure was Gloria Story, whom Smith considers an aunt despite their not being biological relatives.
Nathaniel Lamb – Roquan Smith’s Grandfather
Nathaniel Lamb is Roquan Smith’s grandfather.
He appeared in a 2017 feature by 41NBC News discussing his grandson’s development from a young boy in Macon County into a standout college football player.
Lamb recalled holding Roquan when he was only three months old and expressed amazement at how much he had grown.
His comments reflected the pride Smith’s family felt as he developed into one of the country’s leading college linebackers.
Nathaniel was also identified by DawgNation as one of the relatives who helped support Roquan during his childhood.
Betty Smith – Roquan Smith’s Grandmother
Betty Smith is Roquan Smith’s grandmother.
She was another important member of the family support system that helped guide him during his early years.
In an interview with 41NBC News, Betty expressed considerable pride in watching her grandson compete for the University of Georgia.
She described the emotional excitement she experienced whenever she saw him on the football field.
Her comments demonstrated the close connection between Smith and the relatives who had followed his journey from childhood.
Shaquwanda Baker – Roquan Smith’s Aunt
Shaquwanda Baker is Roquan Smith’s aunt and an important figure in his personal and charitable activities.
She has spoken publicly about the values his family tried to instill in him, including hard work, kindness, responsibility, and helping others.
According to the Baltimore Ravens, Baker has also been closely involved with the Roquan Smith Foundation.
In a December 2022 Ravens profile, she explained that her nephew’s professional success had not changed his desire to give back to his community.
She emphasized that Smith continued to value the lessons he learned from his family despite becoming a prominent NFL player.
Baker later helped coordinate charitable events benefiting children and families in Baltimore and Georgia.
Gloria Story – Roquan Smith’s Honorary Aunt
Gloria Story played an especially important role in Roquan Smith’s teenage years.
Although she is not his biological aunt, Smith has referred to her as an aunt because of the support she provided during his upbringing.
According to DawgNation, Gloria and her husband, Richard Story, welcomed Smith into their home during his high school years.
His former high school coach, Larry Harold, described the arrangement as an important turning point in Smith’s development.
Gloria and Richard helped provide a stable environment with clear expectations concerning discipline, schoolwork, and personal responsibility.
Their encouragement contributed to Smith’s growth as both a student and an athlete.
Gloria also remained involved in his education after he enrolled at the University of Georgia.
In a 2017 interview with 41NBC News, she explained that she regularly spoke with him about his academic progress and responsibilities beyond football.
How Roquan Smith’s Family Influenced His Football Career
Roquan Smith’s journey to the NFL began in rural Macon County, Georgia, where he developed an early interest in sports.
His older brother’s participation in youth football helped introduce him to organized competition.
With his mother’s encouragement, Smith began playing football at approximately six years old.
He later attended Macon County High School in Montezuma, Georgia, where he became one of the state’s leading defensive prospects.
His athletic ability attracted the attention of major college football programs.
Although Smith initially announced a commitment to UCLA in 2015, he reconsidered and ultimately joined the University of Georgia.
He became one of the Bulldogs’ outstanding defensive players, winning the Butkus Award as the nation’s leading college linebacker in 2017.
His performances helped Georgia reach the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Alabama in January 2018.
Following his college career, Smith entered the 2018 NFL Draft and was selected eighth overall by the Chicago Bears.
He played four full seasons and part of a fifth with Chicago before being traded to the Baltimore Ravens in November 2022.
Smith quickly became an important leader of Baltimore’s defense.
In January 2023, he signed a five-year contract extension worth $100 million, providing long-term financial security.
Throughout his career, Smith has continued expressing gratitude for the family members and community figures who helped him succeed.
Roquan Smith’s Family and Charitable Foundation
Roquan Smith’s commitment to family extends beyond his immediate relatives.
He established the Roquan Smith Foundation to support children, families, and disadvantaged communities.
The organization’s activities include educational initiatives, holiday assistance, community events, and resources designed to support children’s mental health.
His aunt, Shaquwanda Baker, has played an important role in organizing foundation activities.
In December 2023, the Baltimore Ravens selected Smith as their nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
The recognition highlighted his charitable contributions and willingness to use his professional platform to help others.
Smith has participated in programs providing holiday gifts to children, meals to families experiencing hardship, and support for people affected by domestic violence.
He has also returned to Macon County to organize youth football camps and encourage young athletes to pursue education and positive opportunities.
His charitable activities reflect the values of family support, kindness, and personal responsibility emphasized throughout his childhood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roquan Smith’s Family
Who is Roquan Smith’s girlfriend?
As of now, Roquan Smith has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend. His current romantic relationship status remains private.
Is Roquan Smith married?
There is no sufficiently reliable public confirmation that Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith is married.
Does Roquan Smith have children?
Roquan Smith has no publicly confirmed children. Reliable interviews and official NFL biographies do not establish his parental status.
Who is Roquan Smith’s mother?
His mother is Shaquana Thomas, who worked at Fort Valley State University and encouraged him to begin playing organized football during childhood.
Who is Roquan Smith’s father?
His father is Roderick Smith, who worked in construction in Macon, Georgia, during Roquan’s childhood.
How many siblings does Roquan Smith have?
Roquan Smith has three publicly identified siblings: two brothers and one sister.
Who are Roquan Smith’s brothers?
His brothers are Rod Smith, who is approximately one year older than Roquan, and Omar Richards, who is younger.
Who is Roquan Smith’s sister?
His younger sister is Tyanna Richards, who was identified in DawgNation’s reporting about his childhood.
Who are Roquan Smith’s grandparents?
His publicly identified grandparents include Nathaniel Lamb and Betty Smith, both of whom supported him during his upbringing.
Who is Roquan Smith’s aunt?
His aunt is Shaquwanda Baker, who has helped with his charitable foundation. Smith also considers Gloria Story an honorary aunt because she helped raise and guide him during his teenage years.
Where is Roquan Smith from?
Roquan Smith grew up in Macon County, Georgia, and attended Macon County High School in Montezuma.
How old is Roquan Smith?
Roquan Smith was born on April 8, 1997, making him 29 years old as of now.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
