Jonnu Smith – March 13, 2024
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Wednesday, March 13, 2024
TE Jonnu Smith
(You’ve been in offenses that had RB Derrick Henry, a sledgehammer running back. Last year your Atlanta team had four 50-reception receivers. What do those options do for a passing game?) – “Obviously, you’ve got versatility, like you explained just now. Ultimately, you’ve got different guys with the ability to make plays with the ball in their hands and to make plays when the ball comes their way. Obviously what that does is put stress on the defense. So any time you have an opportunity to add guys who are dynamic in the passing game and to be able to create a group, you can do a lot of damage in this league, man. That’s part of the reason why I’m here.”
(I know your receiving game is pretty diverse. Are there one or two situations where you think you’re best, whether it’s goal line, short yardage, red zone?) – “During my career – I’ve been playing this game a long time. You can pull up film of me making plays from anywhere on the field. I think that as a pass catcher in this league, in order for you to be one of the top guys in whatever your respective position is, you’ve got to be able to make plays from anywhere on the field. That’s just something that I pride myself on and making sure that I’m an every-down player. You can use me in any situation.”
(What were some of the factors that made the Dolphins the right choice now?) – “That list is endless. I guess I’ll start with the opportunity to go and win a world championship. I think that adding me to this offense and to this system and to this team ultimately, I can be a solution to helping us now get to where we want to go. There’s obviously still a lot of work that needs to be put in. There’s obviously still a lot in front of us, but I just saw that vision and I thought it was a great opportunity.”
(How much did you know about Head Coach Mike McDaniel and QB Tua Tagovailoa before this process and how important were they in your decision making?) – “I guess I’ve got to give it to Hard Knocks, man. Hard Knocks told me a lot. Hard Knocks was a big help in helping me make my decision.”
(What in particular?) – “(laughter) In all seriousness, man, I actually watched it this offseason. I was late watching it. But it was the offseason, so I was like, you know what, I’m going to kick back and see what these guys are about. So I cut it on and kind of just caught myself binge-watching. I’m like, man, that would be a special group to be a part of. All of these guys from Mike McDaniel, Chris Grier, everybody in this building and the front office collectively made it happen. Obviously, everything happened on our end as well. This is home for me. At the end of the day, that also was a huge factor in me being here. And I’m just excited to be able to play for a city in which I live, which my family lives and be able to represent the city of Miami once again.”
(I wanted to ask you a little bit more about your new quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. Have you met him? What have you seen in his game that is appealing to you?) – “I haven’t had the opportunity to meet him face to face yet. But I’m sure, trust me, we’ve got a lot of time that we’re going to be spending together. But just looking at Tua on paper, he’s got it. In my eyes, I think he’s one of the top quarterbacks in this league. I think he’s one of, if not the most, accurate quarterback in this league. And that’s just from me watching from the outside in. Now that I’m actually here, I’m sure I’ll get to see that firsthand. He’s a great player, a great leader. I’ve had a lot of respect for his game since he played at Alabama. Just seeing him play, he was always a fun guy to watch play and I’m excited to catch some passes from him now.”
(What are your thoughts on being a tight end in an offense that has the kind of wide receiver speed the Dolphins have with WR Tyreek Hill and WR Jaylen Waddle?) – “Yeah, you smile from ear to ear. That’s going to create a lot space. Those two speed guys, some of the fastest guys in the NFL, if not the fastest. That’s just going to cause so much havoc to the defense. To be able to use those guys to my advantage, those guys are going to be able to open up space. And likewise, me as well, just adding another pass-catching element to this offense and being able to get those guys open more. We’re all going to make each other better, all going to play off each other. And ultimately, I’m sure those guys are team guys. I’m a team guy. I think it’ll just be a great fit. I’m excited and looking forward to it.”
(How does it feel to be back in the city where you played your college ball? What memories do you have from FIU?) – “Oh man, yeah it’s literally right up the road. I remember stepping on campus at 17 years old not knowing nothing, kind of growing into my own, growing into a man during my four years at FIU. Obviously it holds a special place in my heart always because just the friendships that were built, the relationships from my teammates, coaches, staff. Some of those guys are still around. That’s college man. Those four years are arguably the most memorable four years of anyone’s life who get to experience that. For me, to have the opportunity to come back and literally you go a little farther south and that’s where I used to lay my head at night before practice in the morning, before class in the morning. There’s definitely some emotional ties there always. I’ll be super supportive of those guys throughout this season while I’m here, and I’m sure they’ll be super supportive of me. I’m looking forward to it. There’s a lot of great things that can come from this. I’m just soaking it all up.”
(I want to ask you about two aspects of your game that you can contribute to this team, both your YAC, yards after catch, and also abilities in the red zone, and how you feel those two things can add to this offense?) – “Yeah, just adding a physical element to that passing attack. Everybody when you look at the game, you kind of see pass catchers as flashy and highlights, but you have to be able to bring a physical presence as well to inflict your will on opponents and be able to, when it’s the fourth quarter and guys are tired and it’s late in the year, Week 13, 14, teams don’t want to tackle. That’s where we feast. I’m excited about my fit in this offense, my role in this offense, and the sky is the limit on what we’re going to be able to do. And obviously off the field as well, going into year eight now, obviously I’ve been around a long time. I’ve seen a lot of football, learned a lot, know a lot. Obviously there’s still a lot to learn. I’m never oblivious to the fact that we always have to continue to learn and get better ourselves no matter how much wisdom we’ve acquired over the years. But to be able to bring the leadership aspect to this team as well, it’s something that I’m holding myself accountable to as well.”
(What advice would you give to younger players in the league, especially those navigating free agency or changing teams?) – “It’s the NFL, anything can happen. It’s a business at the end of the day. To us, we just want to look at it as a game, but unfortunately, you’ve got the front offices of these different organizations that you have to deal with ultimately, so it becomes not so much of a game. You’ve got to kind of set your emotions aside. Man, listen, these decisions can get tough. Some guys may have to change situations or roles or whatever it may be, but ultimately you have to do what’s best for you and do what’s best for your family. Obviously, it’s not an easy process, but this is the NFL, man. Anybody would give so much up to be in our position, and it may not be easy going from team to team, that’s tough on some guys – you always want stability in any situation that you’re in, but soak it all in and wear it as a badge of honor. Not a lot of people get to play this game for a long time. I’m very grateful to be a part of this amazing league and organization, going on eight years now. It seems like yesterday when I came in here my rookie year and was trying to learn from these older guys and trying to just gain some knowledge any way that I can. So just for me to be that guy now that’s giving out wisdom, giving out knowledge to these younger guys, it’s a testament to how fast time can fly.”
(Can you touch on the Nu Family Foundation? How excited are you to contribute in the community with your foundation?) – “The Nu Family Foundation, this is a humungous organization that I get to actually be able to touch the city in which I’m playing in a little bit more, and be a little bit more hands-on because I’m here all year round now. We have a lot of great ideas with my Nu Family Foundation team, with my wife leading the charge. We want to continue to impact the community and impact the youth in the best way possible. I’m looking forward to that opportunity in the city of Miami tremendously.”
