When you hear Jonnu Smith‘s name, what comes to your mind first? Well, if you follow football you know he’s the Phins‘ tight end. But if you are a pigskin fanatic, then you might associate the word ‘survivor’ with him.
Yes, you read that right! A survivor of a brutal attack. While at Florida International University, Jonnu Smith found himself in a troubling situation. According to reports, his then-girlfriend, Mary Gaspar, doused him with boiling water on Halloween 2016.
Smith, who was 21 at the time, suffered severe burns to his head, neck, back, and shoulder. The reasons largely remained unknown. But some reports suggest it was due to an argument over him not paying enough attention to her.
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In a moment of intense emotion, Gaspar boiled a pot of water and poured it on Smith while they were in his dorm room. When Smith didn’t react in the way Gaspar expected, she allegedly began hitting him as well.
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Later, Gaspar was charged with felony aggravated battery. But interestingly, the case was dropped in 2017. The reasons remain largely hidden from the public ears as it was settled outside the court between the two.
Though it’s unclear when Smith and Gaspar’s relationship ended, reports from 2018 linked him to Instagram model India Love. As for Gaspar? She’s mostly off the radar now, with few details or photos remaining from that chapter of Smith’s life.
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Despite the injuries he sustained, Smith missed only one game during his college career and that was the bowl game. What’s more impressive is how he shrugged this blip off and nabbed his ticket to the NFL.
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Is Jonnu Smith's career being unfairly overshadowed by his ex-girlfriend's legal troubles?
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Jonnu Smith’s pro journey so far
Jonnu Smith has had quite the career so far. One for the stars? The journey’s played ball with him and he has received it like a TE destined for greatness. These might hit like empty words, but the stats would substantiate what we are saying. 1,936 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns at FIU, including 441 yards on 39 catches in 2016.
Same season where his mental toughness was tested because of the incident with his ex-girlfriend that left him with severe burns. Despite the setback, Smith only missed one game that season. How’s that for playing through the pain?
Many would have had an excuse lined up. But not the then-21-year-old Smith. Nine months later, the Titans drafted him in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Talk about a comeback! It’s as if the football gods were lining up for him to shine. Think that’s impressive? It was just the beginning of something inspiring.
Since he’s gotten drafted, man, it has been one for the books. With 107 games under his belt, 78 starts, and a solid 219 receptions for 2,423 yards, he’s earned his stripes. Throw in 20 touchdowns, and yeah, he’s been putting in work. And did we mention his 2023 season with the Falcons?
Picture this: he wasn’t even the main guy but still managed 50 receptions and 582 yards—his career-high numbers. Talk about making every snap count! Now with the Dolphins, they’re betting big with that two-year, $10 million deal, and you gotta ask yourself, why wouldn’t they? He’s consistent, reliable, and ready to ball. If you’re a QB, having a guy like Jonnu Smith is like having a cheat code – the dude brings calm under pressure.
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Is Jonnu Smith's career being unfairly overshadowed by his ex-girlfriend's legal troubles?