Last Updated on October 28, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Jonnu Smith is an American professional football tight end for the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 22, 1995, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Smith overcame a difficult childhood marked by financial hardship and the death of his father. His family played an essential role in helping him become a successful professional athlete.
As of now, Jonnu Smith is married to Ballad Smith, a real estate professional. He has four publicly confirmed children and announced that his wife was expecting their fifth child in October 2026. His parents are Karen Smith and the late Wayne Smith Sr. He is the youngest of six children and has five older siblings: Wayne Timothy Smith, Latia Smith, Tasha Smith, Tamara Smith and Taneka Smith.
Jonnu Smith’s Wife: Ballad Smith
Jonnu Smith’s wife is Ballad Smith, formerly known as Ballad Burroughs, a real estate professional who has supported the NFL tight end throughout several stages of his football career.
Ballad has worked in the South Florida real estate industry, including with Atlantic Realty Group. According to published biographical reports, she joined the agency in September 2022.
Unlike her husband, whose football career attracts considerable media attention, Ballad generally maintains a relatively private personal life.
However, she occasionally shares photographs and updates about their family through Instagram and Facebook.
She has also publicly celebrated Jonnu’s professional achievements, including his selection to the Pro Bowl following the 2024 NFL season.
How Did Jonnu Smith Meet Ballad Smith?
The exact circumstances surrounding Jonnu Smith and Ballad Smith’s first meeting have not been extensively documented in major sports publications.
However, their relationship became publicly visible through social media around 2019.
In November 2020, Ballad shared photographs announcing that the couple were expecting a daughter.
The announcement confirmed that the two had established a family relationship and were preparing to welcome their first child together.
The couple subsequently continued sharing important family milestones, including birthdays, anniversaries and their children’s achievements.
When Did Jonnu Smith Get Married?
Jonnu Smith and Ballad Smith are believed to have married around 2019 or 2020, although their exact wedding date has not been independently confirmed.
In December 2022, Ballad reportedly celebrated their third anniversary through social media.
She later shared another anniversary tribute celebrating five years of marriage.
These messages suggest that their marriage began around 2019 or 2020.
As of now, the couple remain publicly identified as husband and wife.
Ballad Smith’s Support for Her Husband’s NFL Career
Ballad has continued supporting Jonnu throughout his professional football journey.
During his time with the Miami Dolphins, she encouraged followers to vote for him in the Pro Bowl selection process.
In February 2025, she publicly celebrated his first Pro Bowl appearance.
She has also shared photographs from family vacations, football games and other personal celebrations.
Her support has been particularly important as Smith has adjusted to frequent changes of NFL teams while raising a growing family.
Jonnu Smith’s Previous Girlfriend: Mary Gaspar
Before marrying Ballad Smith, Jonnu Smith was in a relationship with Mary Gaspar while attending Florida International University.
The relationship attracted national media attention in 2016 following a domestic altercation at the university.
During the incident, Smith suffered burns after Gaspar poured boiling water on him. She was arrested and faced an aggravated battery charge, which was later dropped.
At the time, Gaspar was pregnant with their child.
Smith subsequently continued his college football career and entered the NFL in 2017.
His current marriage is to Ballad Smith, with whom he has established a blended family.
Jonnu Smith’s Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?
Jonnu Smith has four publicly confirmed children. During an interview in September 2026, the Packers tight end revealed that his wife was expecting their fifth child in October.
Although the expected arrival was publicly announced, a confirmed birth announcement for the fifth child was not available at the time of this profile.
His publicly identified children include Jaiyen Quasim Smith, another son referred to as Meph or Neph in different publications, a daughter named Haven B. Smith and a son named Jonnu Smith Jr.
Fatherhood has become one of the most significant parts of Smith’s life, particularly because he lost his own father during early childhood.
Jaiyen Quasim Smith: Jonnu Smith’s Son
Jaiyen Quasim Smith is Jonnu Smith’s eldest publicly identified son, born in 2016.
His middle name carries a particularly meaningful family story.
During his college years, Jonnu maintained a close friendship with Willie Jefferson, who was widely known by the nickname Quasim.
The friends grew up together in Philadelphia and shared a passion for football.
Unfortunately, Jefferson was killed in October 2016.
To honor his memory, Jonnu chose Quasim as Jaiyen’s middle name.
In an October 2021 interview published by the New England Patriots, Smith explained that he had discussed potential baby names with Jefferson shortly before his death.
Jaiyen’s name therefore represents an emotional connection between Smith’s childhood friendships and his own family.
Meph: Jonnu Smith’s Son
Jonnu Smith has another son whose name has been reported as Meph or Neph in different secondary publications.
Published reports identify his birth date as March 7, 2017.
He is one of Smith’s two older sons who were born before his marriage to Ballad.
Although photographs of the boys have occasionally appeared on family social media accounts, detailed information about their education and daily lives remains private.
Ballad has also been described as maintaining a close relationship with Jonnu’s older children.
Haven B. Smith: Jonnu Smith’s Daughter
Haven B. Smith is Jonnu Smith’s daughter with his wife, Ballad Smith.
She was born in 2021, following the couple’s pregnancy announcement in November 2020.
Her arrival represented an important chapter in their marriage and family life.
During the 2022 NFL offseason, Smith publicly discussed his happiness about welcoming a baby girl while adjusting to the responsibilities of professional football.
Haven has occasionally appeared in photographs shared by her parents.
Jonnu Smith Jr.: Jonnu Smith’s Younger Son
Jonnu Smith Jr. is another publicly identified child of Jonnu and Ballad Smith.
According to a September 2023 family profile, he was born in April 2023.
The couple celebrated his arrival through social media, including photographs from a family photoshoot.
His name continues the family tradition of passing the father’s name to the next generation.
Jonnu Smith Jr. became another important source of motivation for his father as he continued his NFL career.
Jonnu Smith’s Fifth Child
In September 2026, Jonnu Smith revealed that his wife was pregnant with their fifth child.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the baby was expected in October 2026.
Smith discussed the pregnancy shortly after joining the Green Bay Packers, explaining that family considerations influenced his decision to continue his professional career in Wisconsin.
No independently verified announcement confirming the child’s birth, name or sex was available at the time of publication.
Jonnu Smith’s Parents: Wayne Smith Sr. and Karen Smith
Jonnu Smith was born to Wayne Smith Sr. and Karen Smith in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
His parents raised six children in the Germantown neighborhood, where the family experienced significant financial challenges.
His father worked several jobs to support the household, while his mother provided stability and religious guidance.
However, the family’s circumstances changed dramatically when Wayne died in a workplace accident in April 2000.
Jonnu Smith’s Father: Wayne Smith Sr.
Jonnu Smith’s father was Wayne Smith Sr., a hardworking Philadelphia resident who supported his family through towing and other employment.
Wayne was 40 years old when he died on April 4, 2000.
According to an investigation published by The Philadelphia Inquirer, Wayne was working as a tow truck driver during a citywide abandoned-vehicle removal initiative.
While attempting to load a vehicle onto his truck, the car slipped and fatally injured him.
His death left Karen Smith responsible for raising their six children.
Jonnu was only four years old at the time.
How Wayne Smith Sr. Influenced His Son
Although Jonnu lost his father at a young age, he has retained several meaningful childhood memories.
During an October 2021 interview with the New England Patriots, he recalled watching Wayne work long hours to support the family.
He also remembered accompanying his father on work-related activities alongside his older brother.
These experiences helped establish his appreciation for hard work and personal responsibility.
Smith has explained that his father’s dedication to providing for the household continues influencing how he approaches professional football and fatherhood.
Having grown up without his father, he is especially determined to remain actively involved in his own children’s lives.
Jonnu Smith’s Mother: Karen Smith
Jonnu Smith’s mother is Karen Smith, who raised six children following her husband’s death.
Karen became one of the most important influences in her youngest son’s personal development.
Despite living in a financially disadvantaged neighborhood, she worked to ensure that her children had basic necessities and educational opportunities.
She also emphasized Christian faith, regularly taking Jonnu to church during childhood.
Although Karen initially worried about the physical demands of football, she eventually allowed her son to participate in organized youth competitions.
Smith has frequently credited his mother’s sacrifices with helping him reach the NFL.
Why Karen Smith Sent Jonnu to Florida
When Jonnu was approximately 14 years old, his mother made a difficult decision to send him away from Philadelphia.
At the time, the family was experiencing several challenges involving neighborhood violence and legal difficulties affecting Jonnu’s older brother.
Karen worried that her youngest son could become exposed to dangerous influences if he remained in the same environment.
She arranged for him to move to Ocala, Florida, where her sister and brother-in-law could provide a safer home.
Although the separation was emotionally difficult, the decision proved important for his athletic development.
In Florida, Jonnu attended West Port High School and began attracting attention as a talented football player.
He has repeatedly expressed gratitude for his mother’s decision.
Jonnu Smith’s Siblings: Meet His Brother and Four Sisters
Jonnu Smith is the youngest of six children born to Wayne and Karen Smith.
He has five older siblings: one brother, Wayne Timothy Smith, and four sisters named Latia Smith, Tasha Smith, Tamara Smith and Taneka Smith.
Their identities were documented in an October 2021 family profile published by the New England Patriots.
Wayne Timothy Smith: Jonnu Smith’s Older Brother
Wayne Timothy Smith, also known as Wayne Smith Jr., is Jonnu Smith’s older brother.
He was born in Philadelphia and grew up alongside his siblings in the Germantown neighborhood.
Wayne became involved in a serious legal case following a street confrontation in 2010.
He was subsequently convicted of third-degree murder and related offenses in 2015 and received a lengthy prison sentence.
His imprisonment deeply affected the entire Smith family, particularly their mother, Karen.
Jonnu has explained that his desire to support his brother became an additional motivation to succeed financially through professional football.
Wayne Smith Jr.’s Release From Prison in 2026
One of the most significant developments in the family’s recent history occurred when Wayne Timothy Smith was released from prison on July 18, 2026.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, legal proceedings involving previously undisclosed evidence resulted in Wayne receiving an opportunity for a new trial and ultimately a reduced sentence.
After spending approximately 16 years incarcerated, Wayne returned home to his family.
Jonnu celebrated his brother’s release during a community event in Philadelphia in August 2026.
The reunion was especially meaningful because Wayne had never previously been able to attend an NFL game featuring his younger brother.
Smith expressed excitement about finally having the opportunity to share that experience with him.
Latia Smith: Jonnu Smith’s Older Sister
Latia Smith is one of Jonnu Smith’s four older sisters.
She grew up in Philadelphia alongside her siblings and experienced the family’s difficult circumstances following their father’s death.
Latia was identified in a family photograph published by the New England Patriots in October 2021.
Although her relationship with Jonnu is publicly documented, detailed information about her occupation and personal life remains limited.
Tasha Smith: Jonnu Smith’s Older Sister
Tasha Smith is another of Jonnu Smith’s older sisters.
She was raised by Karen Smith in Philadelphia and experienced the financial difficulties faced by the family during childhood.
Her name was confirmed in the New England Patriots’ family profile.
Unlike her younger brother, Tasha has maintained a relatively private life away from professional sports media.
Tamara Smith: Jonnu Smith’s Older Sister
Tamara Smith is one of Jonnu Smith’s four older sisters.
She grew up in the same Philadelphia household as Jonnu and their other siblings.
Although her name and family relationship are confirmed through official NFL reporting, little independently verified information is available about her current career or personal relationships.
Taneka Smith: Jonnu Smith’s Older Sister
Taneka Smith is Jonnu Smith’s fourth older sister.
Like her siblings, she experienced the family’s challenging upbringing following the death of their father.
She appeared in the family profile published by the New England Patriots in 2021.
Reliable public information about Taneka’s occupation, marriage or children remains limited.
Jonnu Smith’s Aunt and Uncle: Daria and Mike Kirkland
Two additional relatives who played an important role in Jonnu Smith’s upbringing were his maternal aunt and uncle, Daria and Mike Kirkland.
Some publications also identify his aunt as Darla Kirkland.
The couple lived in Ocala, Florida, where they raised their own children.
When Karen Smith decided to move Jonnu away from Philadelphia, the Kirklands welcomed him into their household.
Their support provided him with a safer living environment and an opportunity to pursue high school football.
Jonnu attended West Port High School, where coaches recognized his athletic potential.
He later described his aunt and uncle as additional parental figures who helped change the direction of his life.
The Kirklands’ children also became important companions during his teenage years.
He regularly competed with his cousins in running, weightlifting and other physical activities.
These experiences helped prepare him for college football.
Jonnu Smith’s Childhood and Family Background
Jonnu Smith grew up in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood, where his family experienced poverty and other challenges.
He began playing organized football at approximately five years old, shortly after his father’s death.
His first youth team was the Northwest Raiders.
Although his mother initially preferred that he concentrate on education, she eventually supported his interest in football.
After relocating to Florida, Smith developed into a talented tight end at West Port High School.
Despite his athletic abilities, he received limited attention from major college football programs.
Florida International University eventually became the only NCAA Division I school to offer him a scholarship.
Smith accepted the opportunity and began his college football career in Miami.
Jonnu Smith’s College Football Career
Jonnu Smith played college football at Florida International University between 2013 and 2016.
He became one of the program’s most productive tight ends, contributing consistently throughout his four seasons.
During his sophomore season in 2014, he recorded 61 receptions for 710 yards and eight touchdowns.
His performances attracted attention from NFL scouts, although injuries and personal challenges occasionally interrupted his development.
Smith finished his college career as one of FIU’s leading tight ends in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns.
The Tennessee Titans selected him with the 100th overall pick in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
His selection represented a major achievement for a player who had faced considerable difficulties during childhood.
Jonnu Smith’s NFL Career and Family Support
Jonnu Smith began his NFL career with the Tennessee Titans, playing for the franchise from 2017 through 2020.
He subsequently joined the New England Patriots in 2021 before moving to the Atlanta Falcons in 2023.
In 2024, he signed with the Miami Dolphins and enjoyed the most productive season of his career.
Smith recorded 88 receptions for 884 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
He later joined the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 2025 season.
On August 29, 2026, the Green Bay Packers announced his signing, adding an experienced tight end to their offense.
Smith has explained that his family played an important role in his decision to join Green Bay.
The move also came shortly after his older brother’s release from prison and during his wife’s pregnancy.
These personal milestones made 2026 an especially significant year for the Smith family.
Jonnu Smith’s Family Values and Charitable Work
Jonnu Smith has frequently discussed the influence of Christian faith and family responsibility on his life.
He credits his mother with introducing him to religious teachings during childhood and helping him maintain perspective during difficult periods.
He also established the Nu Family Foundation to support children and families facing financial and social challenges.
In August 2026, Smith organized a community event called A Nu Day at the Lonnie Young Recreation Center in Philadelphia.
The event included distributing school supplies and organizing activities for local children.
His older brother Wayne participated following his release from prison.
The event represented Smith’s commitment to supporting the community where he grew up while maintaining close family relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jonnu Smith’s Family
Who is Jonnu Smith’s wife?
Jonnu Smith is married to Ballad Smith, formerly Ballad Burroughs, a real estate professional who has worked in South Florida.
Does Jonnu Smith have a girlfriend?
No. As of now, Jonnu Smith is married to Ballad Smith. His previous publicly known girlfriend was Mary Gaspar.
When did Jonnu Smith get married?
Jonnu Smith and Ballad Smith are believed to have married around 2019 or 2020, although their exact wedding date has not been independently verified.
How many children does Jonnu Smith have?
Jonnu Smith has four publicly confirmed children. In September 2026, he announced that his wife was expecting their fifth child in October.
Who are Jonnu Smith’s children?
His publicly identified children include Jaiyen Quasim Smith, a son referred to as Meph or Neph, Haven B. Smith and Jonnu Smith Jr.
Who is Jonnu Smith’s daughter?
Jonnu Smith’s daughter is Haven B. Smith, whom he welcomed with his wife, Ballad, in 2021.
Who are Jonnu Smith’s parents?
Jonnu Smith’s parents are Karen Smith and Wayne Smith Sr. His father died in a workplace accident in April 2000, leaving Karen to raise their six children.
Who is Jonnu Smith’s father?
Jonnu Smith’s father was Wayne Smith Sr., a Philadelphia tow truck driver who died on April 4, 2000, at the age of 40.
Who is Jonnu Smith’s mother?
Jonnu Smith’s mother is Karen Smith, who raised six children following her husband’s death and later arranged for Jonnu to live with relatives in Florida.
How many siblings does Jonnu Smith have?
Jonnu Smith has five older siblings: Wayne Timothy Smith, Latia Smith, Tasha Smith, Tamara Smith and Taneka Smith.
Who is Jonnu Smith’s brother?
Jonnu Smith’s older brother is Wayne Timothy Smith, also known as Wayne Smith Jr. He was released from prison in July 2026 following a lengthy legal process.
Who are Jonnu Smith’s sisters?
Jonnu Smith has four older sisters named Latia Smith, Tasha Smith, Tamara Smith and Taneka Smith.
Who raised Jonnu Smith in Florida?
Jonnu Smith lived with his maternal aunt and uncle, Daria and Mike Kirkland, in Ocala, Florida, during his teenage years.
Where is Jonnu Smith’s family from?
Jonnu Smith was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, before relocating to Ocala, Florida, during high school.
What is Jonnu Smith’s real name?
His full name is Jonnu Andre Smith. He was born on August 22, 1995, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Valentim Tereshkova is a sports journalist and NFL analyst specializing in team dynamics, scheme breakdowns, and league-wide trends. Covering everything from offseason roster construction and Draft developments to Sunday game plans and Super Bowl contenders, he delivers clear, sharp commentary on the gridiron. Valentim combines stat-driven analysis with a passion for football storytelling to give readers an expert look into the AFC and NFC.
