When you first meet J’mar Smith, quarterback for the Birmingham Stallions, you might not guess that this easy-going guitar player is also a championship-winning professional football player. But that’s exactly who he is – a former Louisiana Tech star who’s found his home in the United Football League (UFL), balancing life as a new father with his passion for football.

“The UFL has given me the opportunity to be in and around the game of football; something I love,” Smith says with evident enthusiasm. As the son of former NFL defensive lineman Kenny Smith, you could say football runs in his blood. But J’mar’s path to professional football has been uniquely his own.

It all started back in Meridian, Mississippi, where a young Smith was making waves as a multi-sport athlete. Football wasn’t his only talent – he was good enough at baseball to be drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 24th round of the 2015 MLB Draft. But football was calling, and a special visit from Coach Skip Holtz in 2014 would set his course.

“Coach Holtz and his coaching staff came to my dad’s house in Meridian and offered me a scholarship,” Smith remembers fondly. “A lot of people pulled their offers my senior year so it felt like I had a family with them.” That family feeling led him to Louisiana Tech, where he would go on to throw for over 9,500 yards and lead the team to a memorable 14-0 victory over Miami in the 2019 Independence Bowl.

After college, Smith’s journey took a few turns. There was a brief stop with the New England Patriots, a stint with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the CFL, but it was with the Birmingham Stallions where everything clicked. Reuniting with his college coach Skip Holtz, Smith led the Stallions to victory in their very first USFL game, earning Offensive Player of the Week honors. But his proudest moment? Setting the 2022 USFL Championship trophy in the Hall of Fame alongside teammate Victor Bolden.

These days, Smith’s life includes a new kind of victory – fatherhood. “My offseason has been special, as a first-time dad,” he beams. “My son Jaxon is so special to me and brings me so much joy. I get to spend time with him and bring him to the field, when I’m running around.”

When he’s not throwing touchdowns or spending time with Jaxon, you might find Smith strumming his guitar – a hobby he picked up in high school when he needed an extra art credit. “It’s been a while since I’ve played seriously,” he admits, “but recently started back up so I can play some songs to my son.”

From the fields of Meridian to the professional ranks of the UFL, J’mar Smith’s journey is one of family, perseverance, and finding success on his own terms. Whether he’s leading the Stallions on a championship drive or playing guitar for his son, Smith brings the same passion and dedication to everything he does.

And if you’re wondering about that “Best Hair Award” he received from his Stallions teammates? Well, that’s just another example of the fun-loving spirit that makes J’mar Smith not just a talented quarterback, but a beloved teammate and now, a proud father making his mark in the UFL.