What Happened to Telvin Smith? Why Did Telvin Smith Retire? Where is Telvin Smith Now?

Telvin Smith, former Jaguars linebacker, retired in 2020 after a standout career; legal issues arose, leading to a no contest plea for third-degree child abuse, resulting in probation and restraining orders, ending his NFL prospects.

by Kavitha

Updated Nov 06, 2023

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What Happened to Telvin Smith? Why Did Telvin Smith Retire? Where is Telvin Smith Now?
Fresherslive

Who is Telvin Smith?

Telvin Trishaun Smith Sr., born on April 11, 1991, is a former American professional football player. He played as a linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the National Football League (NFL). Smith attended Lowndes High School in Valdosta, Georgia, and later played college football for the Florida State Seminoles. In the 2014 NFL Draft, he was picked by the Jaguars in the fifth round. 

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Throughout his NFL career, which spanned from 2014 to 2018, Smith achieved notable honors, including being selected for the Pro Bowl in 2017 and earning second-team All-Pro recognition the same year. He retired from professional football after the 2018 season. During his time in the NFL, Smith was known for his skills in tackling, sacks, interceptions, and defensive touchdowns.

Full Name

Telvin Trishaun Smith Sr.

Date of Birth

April 11, 1991

Place of Birth

Valdosta, Georgia, U.S.

Height

6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)

Weight

215 lb (98 kg)

High School

Lowndes High School (Valdosta)

College

Florida State Seminoles

NFL Draft Year

2014

NFL Draft Round

5

NFL Draft Pick

144

NFL Team

Jacksonville Jaguars (2014–2018)

Net Worth (2023)

$8 million

What Happened to Telvin Smith?

Telvin Smith, a standout linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars, vanished from the football scene after the 2018 season. He began his football journey at Florida State, with a slow start as a freshman but rising to prominence in his senior year, earning recognition as Second Team All-ACC. In the 2014 NFL Draft, he was picked in the fifth round by the Jaguars, defying lower expectations.

Smith quickly became a star in Jacksonville, consistently recording over 100 tackles per season. His best year came in 2017 when he made the Pro Bowl and was named Second Team All-Pro, contributing to the "Sacksonville" defense. However, his career took a sudden turn in 2019 when he decided to take a break from football to focus on family and health after disputes with team management.

Despite receiving offers to return, Smith refused, stating his desire to play only for the Jaguars. His retirement became official in January 2020, ending a promising career. However, legal issues marred his time away from the game.

In 2020, he was arrested on suspicion of unlawful physical activity with a minor. He tried to pay hush money but later pled no contest to a charge of third-degree child abuse. Smith received three years of probation and restraining orders, preventing contact with women under 18 who were not immediate family members.

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Telvin Smith Career

Telvin Trishaun Smith Sr. was a talented American football player who played as a linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the National Football League (NFL). Born on April 11, 1991, in Valdosta, Georgia, Smith attended Florida State University. He was drafted by the Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft and quickly became a key player in the team's defense.

During his NFL career, Smith showcased his skills with impressive tackles, interceptions, and even scored touchdowns. He received accolades such as being named to the Pro Bowl in 2017. In the 2018 season, he had a remarkable performance, recording a career-high of 134 combined tackles, along with interceptions, sacks, and forced fumbles.

However, in May 2019, Smith surprised everyone by announcing his decision not to play football in the 2019 season, stating he needed to "get his world in order." Subsequently, he was placed on the Jaguars' reserve/retired list in July 2019, marking the end of his professional football career.

Despite his early retirement, Telvin Smith's impact on the football field and his achievements with the Jaguars will be remembered by fans and the football community.

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Telvin Smith Net Worth

Telvin Smith, the former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker, boasts a net worth of $8 million, amassed during his five-season NFL career, where he earned around $18 million in salary. Born in Valdosta, Georgia, Smith excelled in football at Lowndes High School and continued his success at Florida State University. He was drafted by the Jaguars in 2014 and played until 2018, achieving a Pro Bowl selection in 2017. Despite signing a $45 million contract extension, he retired abruptly in 2019, citing personal reasons. Smith's net worth also reflects his earnings from endorsements and investments.

Why did Telvin Smith Retire?

Telvin Trishaun Smith Sr., a former football player for the Jacksonville Jaguars, retired from the NFL at a young age. He decided to retire after the 2018 season despite his successful career. The exact reason for his retirement is unknow, but it appears that personal issues and legal troubles played a significant role.

In May 2019, Smith unexpectedly announced that he wouldn't be playing football in the 2019 season, stating he needed to "get his world in order." Later, he faced legal problems, including charges related to unlawful physical contact with a minor. These legal issues likely contributed to his decision to retire early from professional football. Despite his talent and accomplishments on the field, these personal challenges led to his departure from the NFL, marking the end of his football career.

Where is Telvin Smith Now?

Following his legal troubles, Telvin Smith has kept a low profile, and there is limited public information about his current whereabouts. After being arrested in 2020 on charges related to unlawful physical contact with a minor, Smith initially pleaded not guilty. However, in May 2021, he changed his plea to no contest and was sentenced to three years of probation. 

As part of his sentence, he was required to undergo psychophysical counseling and was prohibited from contacting any women aged 18 or younger, except for immediate family, without approval from evaluators or counselors. Since then, Smith has remained out of the public eye, and specific details about his current location and activities are not publicly available.

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What Happened to Telvin Smith? - FAQ

1. Who is Telvin Smith?  

Telvin Smith is a former NFL linebacker who played for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2014 to 2018. He was known for his skills in tackling, interceptions, and sacks.

2. What happened to Telvin Smith's football career?  

Telvin Smith retired from professional football after the 2018 season, citing personal reasons. He briefly announced a comeback in 2019 but never returned to the NFL.

3. Why did Telvin Smith retire early from the NFL?

Telvin Smith retired early from the NFL in 2019, stating he needed to "get his world in order." Personal issues and legal troubles likely influenced his decision.

4. What legal issues did Telvin Smith face?  

In 2020, Telvin Smith was arrested on charges of unlawful physical contact with a minor. He later pleaded no contest, receiving three years of probation, counseling, and restrictions on contact with young women.

5. Where is Telvin Smith now?  

Telvin Smith's current whereabouts are unknown. After his legal issues and probation sentence, he has maintained a low profile and stayed out of the public eye.

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