About Us
About
Our Founder
NFL linebacker Roquan Smith’s journey is defined my more than his remarkable achievements on the field. It’s deeply rooted in humble beginnings, and inspires both and and off the field.
Before becoming the first Dick Butkus Award winner from UGA (and again in the NFL), SEC Defensive Player of the Year, AP first-team All-Pro, Pro Bowler, Ravens MVP (local press), Ravens' Walter Payton Man of the Year, and the highest-paid linebacker in NFL history, Roquan had learned the value of hard work. From focused training and practice time, to digging farm irrigation systems in high school, to Pro Bowls and leading the Ravens’ defense, he will never forget where he comes from, regardless of the on-field triumphs.
As such, Roquan.org is grounded in understanding the people that it serves, and Ro (or “Agent Zero” as the Raven’s #0 is sometimes called) has built an experienced team able to truly make a difference.
Guiding
Principles
Long before the Georgia Bulldogs, Chicago Bears, or the Baltimore Ravens, six-year old Roquan began playing football in Macon County, Georgia, in a town of around 1,000 people and no stoplights. There he developed his guiding principles … the same values that steer Roquan.org today:
A Solid Foundation Faith and family provide a solid foundation for everything
Heart Kindness, understanding, and compassion are the heart of success
Teamwork On and off the field, hard work & collaboration win the day
Integrity Keeping commitments and acting with transparency earn trust
Diversity Celebrating our varied experiences builds a stronger team
Take a trip home with Roquan…
Take a trip to Ro's small Georgia hometown to learn more about the Ravens star linebacker in this Ravens short documentary film >
Committed
to Doing Good
Ro’s commitment to make a positive impact is as relentless as he is on the field.
In his own words:
"If I leave [football] only known for being a really good linebacker, I've sold myself short, I've sold the organization short. It's my privilege, it's my honor to go out and do all the good work I can in the community. That's what truly matters to me."
For more on our work, explore our Mission >