Jaylon Smith, a former professional football linebacker, began his career with the Dallas Cowboys in 2016 following his selection in the second round of the NFL draft. His debut season, however, was delayed due to a knee injury. He made his professional regular season debut in the 2017 season opener, recording seven combined tackles and forcing a fumble. Smith's tenure with the Cowboys lasted until 2021, during which time he was named to the Pro Bowl in 2019 and was ranked 61st and later 88th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players in 2019 and 2020, respectively. In 2019, Smith also signed a five-year contract extension with the Cowboys and was elected as a team captain for the season.

Smith's professional journey saw him play for multiple NFL teams, including the Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Las Vegas Raiders, and Pittsburgh Steelers. During the 2020 NFL season, Smith achieved 145 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, one interception, and defended five passes. By the end of 2023, his career NFL statistics include 626 total tackles, 11 sacks, and six forced fumbles.

Smith's prowess as a linebacker was recognized even before his professional career. As a high school player, he won the Butkus Award in 2012 and was named the Mr. Football Award winner for the state of Indiana. His college years saw him win the Butkus Award again in 2015, recognizing him as the top linebacker in college football. That same year, he was also named a Consensus All-American. Apart from his athletic career, Smith is also an entrepreneur and philanthropist, engaging in activities such as hosting the "Earn Your Stripes Football Camp" annually and speaking with students from My Brother's Keeper/My Sister's Keeper about overcoming adversity. In 2022, he was appointed to COhatch's Board of Advisors and launched the MEI Fellowship, where entrepreneurs will receive free coworking memberships, virtual and in-person business training, and access to follow-on opportunities. In 2023, he opened the first JINYA Ramen Bar in Indiana on his alma mater, Notre Dame's campus.

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