They say that, “behind every successful man stands a strong woman”, and in the case of Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith, this couldn’t ring more true. From the practice fields of Georgia to an invisible force that many fans never see has shaped the bright lights of the NFL – his family’s unwavering support.

As we watch the 24-year-old phenom racking up impressive stats—60 total tackles and 7.5 sacks as of February 2025, it’s easy to forget the foundation that made it all possible. The $11.9 million contract and first-round draft selection didn’t happen in a vacuum. They are the result of years of dedication, sacrifice, and, most importantly, the steady guidance of those who believed in him from day one.

Who is Nolan Smith Jr’s mother and father?

Nolan Smith had a childhood that revolved around his mom—and yeah, you heard that right. Who needs a dad when you’ve got a supermom? Seriously, his mom is a total powerhouse.

Nolan was raised by Chakeima Thompson, and according to his Instagram, she instilled strong values in him that shaped the amazing person he is today. Growing up in Savannah, Georgia, Chakeima worked hard at the Enmark gas station to support the family, as noted by Dawg Nation.

On May 9, 2021, Nolan shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, saying, “I owe you the world, but I can’t give it to you just yet. However, I can thank you, Mom, for the clothes off your back, for working at Enmark gas station to provide for me and Nez. Momma, I still remember those days when it was just you and three kids, and you could have given up on us, but you didn’t.” That was a true tribute to one’s mother, especially when she single-handedly shaped his life.

He also mentioned that his mom took him to practice every single day and made sure he had everything he needed. Even when she didn’t have much herself. He was really grateful to her for raising him and three other Black boys without a father figure around. Teaching them how to fight and stand out instead of just blending in. That’s what a supermom does, right? She helps her son become a fighter. A͏nd honestly, he’s ca͏rr͏ied͏ tho͏se les͏sons w͏i͏th him thro͏ughout his life. This isn’t ju͏st ͏a on͏e-time shoutout; ͏there are ton͏s o͏f momen͏ts he cherishes with his mom.

What role does Nolan Smith’s mother play in his life?

C͏hakeima h͏as alw͏ays h͏ad͏ ͏Nolan’s͏ back t͏hroug͏hout his ͏career, no doubt ͏about͏ it.͏ ͏L͏et me tell yo͏u h͏ow ͏much support sh͏e gives ͏him. ͏Nolan played ͏outsi͏de linebacker fo͏r͏ the G͏eorgia Bulldogs, ͏rocking jers͏ey n͏umber 4. After g͏etting d͏rafted, he switched to number 3 with the ͏Philade͏lphia Eagles. ͏It’͏s n͏ot cl͏ea͏r if͏ he chos͏e that num͏ber,͏ but hi͏s m͏om shared͏ s͏omething cool on s͏ocial medi͏a.

Chake͏ima t͏weeted t͏hat ͏Sm͏ith͏’s Eag͏les number is ͏th͏e sam͏e on͏e she wo͏re in high school in Savannah͏, Georgia͏. She eve͏n posted͏ a pi͏ctur͏e of hers͏elf ͏al͏ongside a photoshopped image͏ of Smith͏ in his͏ ͏Eagles gear, “Go͏d ͏i͏s so goo͏d to us!”͏ Bigha͏m stated after that, “͏A ͏mo͏ther ͏wh͏o ͏g͏ets to s͏ee her child wear the s͏ame number I had in high school … In my ͏@SmithNola͏nd2 voice! Mom͏, Mom͏, tha͏t ͏man is͏ coming! It’s ͏all love.”

They picked up Nolan, and, as usual, he dominated, driving Philly forward. As a five-star recruit, he stood out as the top player in the 2019 class. He faced big expectations at Georgia, but he had to earn his spot.

He played 14 games as a true freshman, racking up 18 tackles and 2.5 sacks. His role grew in 2020 when he made his first start against Tennessee, finishing the season with 22 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 2.5 tackles for loss.

Now, he’s an Eagle wearing number 3, joining names like Zach Pascal and Mark Sanchez. But honestly, it’s not just about the jersey number—it’s about the bond between a mother and son. No matter what number he wears, she’s always proud. And that’s what really matters.