Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. arrested in Georgia for reckless driving, speeding

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. was arrested in Georgia on May 15, 2026, on suspicion of reckless driving and speeding. Public records indicate counts of “speeding in excess of maximum limits” and reckless driving. Social-media posts have circulated a claim that Smith was driving 137 mph in a 70 mph zone, but officials have not confirmed a specific speed. Smith, a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, played college football at the University of Georgia.

Local reporting and publicly available arrest information match on the date and the listed charges. The booking entry identifies Smith by his full name and confirms the two counts. No detailed incident narrative was immediately available, and neither law enforcement nor team representatives had issued further specifics at the time of writing.

The alleged speeding figure remains unverified. Without an official incident report or court filing detailing the exact speed, the only confirmed facts are the arrest date and the two charges recorded in public records.

Smith’s case adds to recent attention on driving-related incidents involving former Georgia Bulldogs players. In April 2023, Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter pleaded no contest to misdemeanor reckless driving and racing charges tied to a January 2023 crash in which two people died. The Bulldogs program has faced repeated scrutiny over speeding citations involving players in recent years.

Georgia arrest details and verification

Charges recorded on May 15

Arrest documentation lists “speeding in excess of maximum limits” alongside reckless driving for Smith on May 15, 2026. These entries confirm the nature of the allegations but do not include a narrative account of the stop, location specifics, or the precise speed.

Specific speed allegation unconfirmed

While a 137 mph figure has been widely referenced online, officials have not issued a statement validating that claim. Any exact speed remains unconfirmed pending formal documents or an official report.

Background on player and program

First-round pick and Georgia alum

Smith entered the NFL as a first-round selection in the 2023 draft and joined the Eagles as a linebacker after a collegiate career at Georgia. His profile as a recent top pick heightens public attention around any off-field legal matter.

Prior high-profile driving case

Jalen Carter, also drafted in the first round in 2023, resolved his case in April 2023 by pleading no contest to misdemeanor reckless driving and racing tied to a fatal January 2023 crash. That episode intensified scrutiny of driving behavior associated with former Georgia players.

Further details in Smith’s case are likely to come through court records or statements from authorities. Any team or league response would depend on additional verified information becoming available.