Late for Work: Roquan Smith Says He’s Laser-Focused on Staying in Elite Shape and Maintaining His High Defensive Standard

The Baltimore Ravens have long been known for their rich defensive tradition—one that boasts names like Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, and Ed Reed. In recent years, linebacker Roquan Smith has carved out a spot for himself in that legacy. Since arriving via trade from the Chicago Bears in 2022, Smith has become not only a leader on the field but also a tone-setter in the locker room. Now, as the 2025 NFL season inches closer, Smith’s mission remains unchanged: dominate on every down.

Despite the team’s “Late for Work” off-season headline buzz—a segment known for combining football insight with pop culture nods—Smith’s name is trending for reasons that align more with grit and grind than glitz and glamor. The All-Pro linebacker is reportedly laser-focused on staying in shape and ensuring his level of play remains elite heading into his third full season with the Ravens.

“Being in Shape Isn’t Optional—It’s the Standard”

During voluntary workouts earlier this offseason, Smith could be seen working separately from the team at times, focusing on a personalized training routine. When asked about it, he didn’t mince words:

“Being in shape isn’t optional for me. It’s the standard. If I’m not pushing myself beyond where I was last year, I’m falling behind.”

That mindset is exactly why the Ravens extended Smith to a five-year, $100 million deal shortly after trading for him in 2022. His presence has helped Baltimore’s defense regain its form as one of the league’s most punishing and fundamentally sound units.

Last season, Smith posted 169 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 9 tackles for loss. But those numbers only scratch the surface of his impact. His ability to diagnose plays, lead in the huddle, and serve as a bridge between the coaching staff and the rest of the defense made him indispensable.

“Roquan’s preparation is what sets him apart,” said defensive coordinator Zach Orr. “He studies more than anyone, takes care of his body religiously, and leads by example.”

Rising Expectations for 2025

As the 2025 campaign approaches, expectations are sky-high in Baltimore. After falling short in the AFC Championship last season, the Ravens are once again viewed as a top contender to reach the Super Bowl. With quarterback Lamar Jackson and an improved receiving corps on offense, the team’s success may ultimately hinge on the defense’s ability to shut down elite opponents.

Roquan Smith’s role in that success cannot be overstated.

“We know what we left on the table last year,” Smith said. “It hurt. That feeling—walking off that field knowing you could’ve done more—that’s fuel for everything I’m doing now.”

Baltimore’s defense was ranked third in the NFL in total defense and first in scoring defense in 2024. Maintaining that level is tough, especially with key contributors like Patrick Queen departing in free agency. But Smith remains unfazed.

“You can’t replace a guy like PQ, but you adapt,” Smith said. “We’ve got young guys hungry to prove themselves. My job is to bring them up to speed and lead by example.”

Mentorship Mode Activated

While Smith is only 28, he’s now a veteran on a unit filled with young talent. Sophomore linebacker Trenton Simpson is expected to take on a bigger role this season, and Smith has already embraced the role of mentor.

“Roquan’s been like a big brother to me,” Simpson said. “He’s always watching film with me, correcting little things, and reminding me of the bigger picture. He wants all of us to succeed.”

This dynamic mirrors what Smith experienced as a young linebacker in Chicago when he was mentored by veterans like Danny Trevathan. The difference now is Smith is the one setting the tone.

“You can’t just talk it—you’ve got to live it,” Smith said. “If I’m telling the young guys to be early to meetings and grind in the weight room, I better be doing that too.”

The Nutrition and Recovery Game

It’s not just what Smith does on the field or in the gym. His attention to detail in terms of nutrition, sleep, and recovery has been elevated this offseason.

“He hired a personal chef, works with a sleep specialist, and has a massage therapist on-call,” a Ravens staffer said. “That’s the level he’s operating at. It’s not just training—it’s total body optimization.”

Smith credits his ability to play at a high level late in the season to these lifestyle tweaks.

“I’ve learned that the NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint,” Smith explained. “If I’m dragging by Week 14, I’m no good to this team. Everything I’m doing now is to make sure I’m my best in January and February.”

Leadership Without the Flash

In an era where players often make headlines with social media antics or off-field controversies, Smith’s brand of leadership is refreshingly old-school. He lets his actions speak louder than his words—and when he does talk, his message resonates.

“He’s not loud unless he has to be,” cornerback Marlon Humphrey said. “But when Roquan speaks, everyone listens. He commands respect.”

That leadership was on full display during last season’s playoff run. With the Ravens trailing at halftime in the Divisional Round, Smith’s fiery speech in the locker room helped rally the team to a comeback win.

“He looked every one of us in the eye and said, ‘We’ve come too far to fold now.’ That lit a fire under all of us,” said safety Kyle Hamilton.

A Defensive Captain With a Chip on His Shoulder

Despite his accolades, Smith still plays with the mentality of an underdog. It’s part of what makes him so dangerous.

“I’ve never felt like I’ve arrived,” he said. “I’ve been overlooked plenty of times in my career—coming out of college, during contract talks, whatever. That chip on my shoulder is permanent.”

That mindset has become infectious within the locker room. Newcomers to the team quickly pick up on the intensity Smith brings and are expected to match it.

“We don’t take plays off. That’s a Roquan thing,” said new defensive lineman Bralen Trice, who was drafted this year. “He told me during rookie minicamp, ‘If you’re tired, run harder. We don’t tap out.’”

Off the Field: Quiet Contributions

Smith’s leadership also extends beyond the field. He’s active in the Baltimore community, quietly funding youth football clinics, literacy programs, and mentorship initiatives in underserved neighborhoods.

“He doesn’t want the spotlight on it, but he’s helping a lot of kids,” said a team community relations director. “He shows up, he listens, he inspires.”

That’s in line with the values he’s espoused since his days at Georgia, where he earned a reputation for humility, work ethic, and team-first mentality.

The Road Ahead

With training camp in full swing and the preseason looming, Smith is focused on one thing: winning.

“This is a Super Bowl or bust season,” he said plainly. “Anything less is failure. I know what I need to do, and I’m holding everyone around me to that same level.”

If the Ravens are to make a deep postseason run in 2025, Roquan Smith will be at the heart of it—reading offenses like a book, stuffing run lanes, flying sideline to sideline, and elevating everyone around him.

And whether it’s during the grind of a Tuesday film session or the heat of a December clash against the Bengals, Smith will show up the same way every time—focused, relentless, and committed to excellence.

Because for Roquan Smith, being great isn’t just a goal. It’s the standard.