Ihmir Smith-Marsette

Ihmir Smith-Marsette (born August 29, 1999) is an American professional football player who is a wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Iowa Hawkeyes, and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL draft. He has also played for the Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs.

Early life
Smith-Marsette grew up in Newark, New Jersey. He initially attended St. Benedict's Preparatory School, where he played water polo, before transferring to Weequahic High School after his freshman year. As a senior, Smith-Marsette had 38 receptions for 773 yards and 13 touchdowns on offense and 43 tackles, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries on defense and also scored three touchdowns as a return specialist.

College career
Smith-Marsette caught 18 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns in his freshman season. As a sophomore he had 28 receptions for 361 yards and two touchdowns. As a junior, Smith-Marsette caught 44 passes for 722 yards and five touchdowns while also rushing for 108 yards and three touchdowns and returned 17 kickoffs for 503 yards and two touchdowns. In a shortened schedule during his senior season, Smith-Marsette recorded 25 receptions for 345 yards and 3 touchdowns – with two of those coming in his final college game.

Minnesota Vikings
Smith-Marsette was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round, 157th overall, of the 2021 NFL draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 13, 2021.

In Week 15 against the Chicago Bears, Smith-Marsette recorded his first career receiving touchdown.

On August 31, 2022, Smith-Marsette was waived by the Vikings after the acquisition of Jalen Reagor.

Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears claimed Smith-Marsette off waivers on September 1, 2022. Smith-Marsette was waived on October 18.

Kansas City Chiefs
On October 21, 2022, Smith-Marsette was signed to the practice squad of the Kansas City Chiefs. He was elevated to the active roster prior to the season finale against the Las Vegas Raiders on January 6, 2023. Smith-Marsette became a Super Bowl champion when the Chiefs won Super Bowl LVII 38–35 against the Philadelphia Eagles. He signed a reserve/future contract on February 15, 2023.

Carolina Panthers
On August 29, 2023, Smith-Marsette was traded to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a swap of conditional 2025 seventh-rounders. On November 9, 2023, he returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown, the Panthers' first punt return for a score since 2017.

On March 12, 2024, Smith-Marsette re-signed with the Carolina Panthers under a one-year contract.

Legal issues
Smith-Marsette was arrested on November 1, 2020, for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He was suspended from the team for the following game against Michigan State.