Ravens’ Roquan Smith Shuts Down “Out-Of-Shape” Rumors, Says He’s “Stronger, Leaner, and Ready to Dominate the 2025 Season”

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith doesn’t mince words, especially when it comes to protecting his name and his performance. So when whispers about him being “out of shape” started circulating online during the early part of the 2025 offseason, the All-Pro defender wasted no time setting the record straight.
In a fiery and focused media session at the Ravens’ training facility in Owings Mills, Maryland, Smith addressed the rumors head-on. “I’ve never been out of shape a day in my career,” Smith said with conviction. “People talk because they don’t see the work. But come September, they’ll see.”
The veteran linebacker, who has been a cornerstone of Baltimore’s defense since arriving in a mid-season trade from Chicago in 2022, made it clear: the talk doesn’t bother him, but it won’t go unanswered either.
Where the Rumors Started
The speculation began innocently enough—an offhand remark on a podcast, followed by blurry training camp photos where Smith didn’t look quite as ripped as fans remembered. A few viral posts later, and suddenly, the narrative shifted: was Roquan Smith coming into camp out of shape?
Anonymous NFL “insiders” and social media critics latched onto the storyline. Some questioned his offseason preparation. Others wondered if age or complacency was creeping into his game.
But those close to the team quickly dismissed the noise.
“Ro’s been working nonstop,” said Ravens head strength coach Scott Elliott. “His numbers in the weight room are up. His conditioning is ahead of last year. There’s no truth to any of that.”
Still, the perception lingered—until Smith decided to speak for himself.
Roquan Smith: “I’m in the Best Shape of My Life”
In his first full media availability since the rumors began, Smith did more than defend himself—he delivered a statement.
“I’ve been training since February. I trimmed two percent body fat, added six pounds of lean muscle, and increased my max squat. Out of shape? That’s comical.”
Smith even pulled up his latest training metrics on his phone and held them up for reporters to see. “You want data? I’ve got it. Let’s talk facts.”
His tone wasn’t angry—it was assertive. It was the voice of a leader tired of outside narratives defining him.
Veteran Presence, Relentless Work Ethic
Since joining the Ravens, Smith has been praised for his work ethic, film study habits, and vocal leadership. He’s never been the kind of player to coast through an offseason or skip voluntary workouts.
“Roquan’s the first guy in and the last one out,” said defensive coordinator Zach Orr. “He leads by example and by effort. Whatever people are seeing or saying—it’s not the reality we know inside this building.”
Head coach John Harbaugh echoed that sentiment: “We love Roquan. He’s the heartbeat of our defense. The idea that he’s not ready? That’s just false.”
Stats Speak Loudly—And So Does Tape
In 2024, Smith played all 17 regular season games and both of the Ravens’ postseason matchups. He logged 154 total tackles, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 11 tackles for loss. His sideline-to-sideline speed and command of Baltimore’s complex defensive schemes earned him his third consecutive Pro Bowl nod.
Even with elite production, Smith entered the offseason determined to elevate his game.
“I don’t care what I did last year,” Smith said. “This is a new season. The goal isn’t just Pro Bowls—it’s a Super Bowl. That’s why I train the way I do.”
Teammates Rally Around Smith
If the locker room felt any concern about Smith’s fitness, you wouldn’t know it. In fact, several Ravens came to his defense before he even addressed the media.
Lamar Jackson posted a photo of Smith at a team workout with the caption: “Out of shape where?”
Veteran safety Kyle Hamilton chimed in: “Man’s built like a tank. And he’s flying around in practice. Don’t believe the noise.”
These players see Smith daily. They watch him run, hit, and lead. And none of them buy into the idea that he’s slipping physically.
Fuel for the Fire
Though Smith downplayed the effect of the rumors, he admitted they’ve added fuel to his already intense fire.
“If people want to doubt me, go ahead. I’ll just keep stacking days. I’m not interested in talking—I’m focused on dominating.”
That mindset has defined Smith’s entire NFL career. Drafted eighth overall by the Bears in 2018, he quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier linebackers. But it wasn’t until his trade to Baltimore that he found a true football home.
“The culture here fits who I am,” Smith said. “Tough. Fast. Smart. Relentless. I’ve grown more as a player and a man since coming to Baltimore than at any point in my life.”
Ravens Defense: Championship Aspirations
With Smith anchoring the middle of the defense, the Ravens finished the 2024 season ranked No. 2 in scoring defense and No. 4 in total yards allowed. They return most of their key pieces, including edge rusher Odafe Oweh, cornerback Marlon Humphrey, and safety Marcus Williams.
Coordinator Zach Orr is entering his second year calling plays, and he’s counting on Smith to be the communicator and field general who elevates everyone else.
“There’s no one I trust more,” Orr said. “Roquan knows the game like a coach. He sees things before they happen. And now he’s moving even faster? That’s scary.”
A Message to the Doubters
When asked if he had anything specific to say to those who spread the out-of-shape narrative, Smith paused, then smiled.
“Nah, they’ll see soon enough,” he said. “You don’t have to clap back when the tape tells the truth.”
He’s right. When the season starts and Smith is flying around the field making plays, the rumors will disappear. And if they don’t? Well, Smith doesn’t care.
“This game isn’t about what people say. It’s about what you do,” he said. “And I plan to do a whole lot in 2025.”
What Comes Next
With training camp underway and preseason approaching, Smith is locked in on preparation. He’s leading rookie meetings, reviewing opponent film, and keeping a close eye on his nutrition and recovery.
Smith has also taken on an even bigger leadership role, working closely with younger linebackers like Trenton Simpson and Malik Harrison.
“I remember when I was a rookie, and vets poured into me,” Smith said. “Now it’s my turn. I want to leave a legacy—not just in stats, but in how I led.”
Legacy in the Making
At just 28 years old, Roquan Smith is already building a legacy that could land him in the Hall of Fame if his trajectory continues. But he isn’t focused on that. He wants a ring—and he believes the 2025 Ravens can get one.
“We’ve got the pieces,” he said. “Offense, defense, special teams. But none of it matters without focus. And I’m as focused as I’ve ever been.”
Stronger. Leaner. Hungrier. Ready.
That’s how Roquan Smith is heading into the 2025 NFL season—and he’s not letting rumors distract from the mission.
The narrative surrounding Roquan Smith’s conditioning was never rooted in fact—it was fueled by speculation. But the All-Pro linebacker didn’t just brush it off; he addressed it with the clarity, confidence, and intensity that defines his game.
Smith is ready. His teammates believe in him. His coaches trust him. And when the season kicks off, he plans to silence the doubters the only way he knows how: by dominating between the lines.
Ravens Flock, get ready—Roquan Smith is coming for everything.