L. J. Smith facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
L. J. Smith

Smith with the Baltimore Ravens in 2009
No. 82
Position:	Tight end
Personal information
Born:	(1980-05-13) May 13, 1980 (age 45) Highland Park, New Jersey, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:	258 lb (117 kg)
Career information
High school:	Highland Park
College:	Rutgers
NFL Draft:	2003 / Round: 2 / Pick: 61
Career history
Philadelphia Eagles (2003–2008) Baltimore Ravens (2009)
Career NFL statistics
Receptions: 233 Receiving yards: 2,556 Receiving touchdowns: 18
Player stats at PFR

John Smith III (born May 13, 1980) is a former American football player. He is widely known as L. J., which means "Little John". He played as a tight end in the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The Philadelphia Eagles picked him in the 2003 NFL draft.

Early Life and High School Sports

L. J. Smith grew up in Highland Park, New Jersey. He went to Bartle elementary school there. At Highland Park High School, he was a talented athlete. He played both basketball and football. In his final year of high school football, he was a linebacker. He made 143 tackles, 11 sacks, and caught five interceptions.

College Football Career

L. J. Smith was a key player for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team. He started games for all four years he was there. He became one of the best tight ends in Rutgers history. He caught 122 passes for 1,458 yards and scored ten touchdowns. Only one other tight end, Marco Battaglia, had more catches.

Smith was recognized for his skills in college. He earned All-Big East honors in his junior and senior years. As a senior, he was chosen as team captain. That year, he led the Scarlet Knights with 32 catches. He gained 384 yards and scored three touchdowns.

Professional Football Career

Smith playing for the Eagles in 2006.

L. J. Smith had a notable career in the NFL. He played for two teams: the Philadelphia Eagles and the Baltimore Ravens.

Playing for the Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles drafted Smith in the second round of the 2003 NFL draft. In his first year, he was a backup player. He caught 27 passes for 321 yards and one touchdown. His coach, Andy Reid, often used two tight ends at once. This allowed Smith to play alongside Chad Lewis.

In 2004, Smith had 34 catches for 377 yards and five touchdowns. That season, the Eagles made it to Super Bowl XXXIX. Smith scored the Eagles' first touchdown in the game. He made an amazing diving catch in the end zone. However, the Eagles lost the game to the New England Patriots.

After Chad Lewis retired, Smith became a main target for quarterback Donovan McNabb. From 2005 to 2006, Smith led the Eagles in catches. He also led the team in receiving yards and touchdowns. In 2007, Smith had an injury that limited his playing time. The Eagles kept him for the 2008 season using a special "franchise tag."

Time with the Baltimore Ravens

On March 20, 2009, Smith signed a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens. His time with the Ravens was short and affected by injuries. He only made two catches for 31 yards that season. He did not start any games for the team.

Personal Life and Interests

L. J. Smith has many interests outside of football. He appeared in commercials for Chunky Soup with Donovan McNabb. He loves playing basketball and was a very good player in high school. Many top college basketball programs were interested in him.

Today, Smith lives in Longport, New Jersey. He also owns and runs a Plato's Closet store in Edison, New Jersey. Inspired by his mother, Smith went back to college. In 2016, he earned his college degree from Rutgers.