Unwavering parental support is the biggest booster for Mazi Smith’s persistent efforts toward his basketball career.
The defensive tackle was the first-round selection as the 26th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft among CJ Stroud, the first-round second pick.
This wasn’t possible without the unbreakable support of his mother, Kenya Smith, and father, whose name is not revealed.
Smith attended East Kentwood High School in Kentwood, Michigan, and was rated by ESPN as the No. 38 recruit in the Class of 2019.
He started in 14 games for Michigan throughout his 2021 season and was rated Smith No. 1 on his annual list of college football “freaks” by The Athletic.
On October 7, 2022, Smith was caught in a scandal for possessing a concealed pistol license (CPL) gun.
Two months he was charged with the felony for which he pleaded guilty for a lesser charge on December 8, 2022.
Parents Of Mazi Smith
Mazi Smith was born on June 16, 2001, to his mother, Kenya Smith, but there is no mention of his father.
His mother has stuck to Mazi through the thick and thin of his wavering basketball career and is considered his biggest cheerleader.
During the FOX 17 interview in Kenya, she admired her capable son and is proud of how far they have come.
Mazi embraces her mother’s support and cares for him and is thankful for her to understand his passion for the game.
Kenya values the education factor the most and wants the best for his son, so during his Michigan days, Mazi took creative writing as his major.
Mazi, apart from his football career, aims to be a screenwriter, a lyricist, or a poet.
Besides his mother, Kenya, Mazi’s other inspiration is Langston Hughes, a black poet who wrote about the black life of his time in a white-dominated world.
This shows the Defensive tackle is not just a skilled player but a thoughtful intellect with abundant creativity.
Family Of Mazi
Mazi has always been close to his family and was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
According to the sources, only Mazi’s mother, Kenya’s information, is available, whereas his father and siblings’ information is unveiled.
Kenya is the only support system Mazi holds on to, and he takes her on several games and interviews.
As per the dating update, Mazi is still in his early twenties and not dating anyone.
There are no dating rumors about him or any past relationships, indicating he is focused on his career for now.
Is Mazi In Prison?
The player was charged for possessing a firearm and was detained at the scene of the incident on October 20, 2022, by the Ann Arbor police.
Later almost three weeks was free from the weapon felony and was detained with a possible fine of more than $2,500 or up to five years in prison.
However, the player spent the arrest night in jail due to legal issues regarding the charges.
Although the team director did not suspend Mazi, he returned to the field after the case was closed and appeared for the 2023 NFL Draft.
