Kion Smith: Lumberton Graduate, Fayetteville State Bronco, Now Joins the NFL’s Miami Dolphins for 2023-24

FAYETTEVILLE, NC – From the fields of Fayetteville State University to the big leagues of the NFL, Kion Smith’s football journey shows true dedication, hard work, and unstoppable spirit. Smith is now part of the Miami Dolphins, battling some time with practice squads, but now displaying an uplifting story for the city and its young athletes.

Lumberton might be a county away, but it’s where Smith’s story started. The Lumberton High School graduate faced challenges early, missing his entire senior season due to an injury. But challenges can lead to great comebacks. Smith took his love for football to local HBCU, Fayetteville State University, and became a bright spot of talent on the Bronco squad. During his time at FSU, Smith played in 20 games, even though his senior season in college was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even though he wasn’t picked in the 2021 draft, Smith kept pushing. The Atlanta Falcons saw his potential and signed him to the practice squad, however he didn’t make their final roster. Next, the Miami Dolphins gave him a chance, and Smith spent two years improving his game on the practice squad. This hard work paid off on January 16, 2023, when he signed a two-year deal with the Dolphin, and making the 53-man roster this summer as offensive tackle.

Fayetteville seems to be a special place in Smith’s heart, displayed by his actions beyond the field. Showing that winning isn’t just about points and stats, he gave back to the place that shaped him. In June 2023, Smith held a summer football clinic for high school students at Fayetteville State, sharing his knowledge and life lessons with the next wave of players.

Now, as a new NFL season is about to start, everyone is rooting for Kion Smith. The excitement is clear, as Fayetteville can’t wait to see its FSU star can make an impact with the Miami Dolphins.

Fayetteville now has another rising NFL talent, following the tale of Joshua Williams of the Kansas City Chiefs. Williams, also a former FSU player was signed to the NFL, yet sharing a remarkable story of recently playing and winning the Super Bowl this past February.

The Miami Dolphins next game is September 10, 2023 at 4:25 p.m. versus the Los Angeles Chargers. The Dolphins face the Panthers on October 15th in Miami. Stay tuned.

— Written by Kres Thomas
— FayToday News / UpNext Youth News