Smith’s record-breaking season comes with near-unprecedented protections.
Ohio State sensation Jeremiah Smith is also among a handful of players at his age ever to get permanent total disability insurance (PTD) to protect himself against a career-ending injury, CBS Sports reported. Smith was the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2024.
Taken out by the family before the College Football Playoff, the policy not only protects Smith in the event of a football injury but in everyday life for the term of the coverage.
“If this kid steps off the curb and gets hit by a car, he’s covered,” said industry veteran Richard Giller head of insurance recovery at the Los Angeles-based Greenspoon Marder law firm. “He does not have to be injured playing football.”
Smith’s policy is with Leverage Disability and Life Insurance, an industry-leading giant in the field of athlete insurance. The Southern California-based firm was founded in 2018 by former Kansas basketball star Eric Chenowith.
We already know Smith is in rarified air as one of the best freshmen in college football history with 71 receptions for 1,227 yards and 14 touchdowns with one game to go, Monday night against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Here’s the short list of college football players, who we know of, with PTD.
More on Jeremiah Smith
Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith has redefined what a freshman wide receiver can achieve. At just 19 years old, Smith secured permanent total disability (PTD) insurance—a rare accomplishment for a player his age. This proactive measure reflects Smith’s breakout season, where he hauled in 71 passes for 1,227 yards and 14 touchdowns, earning AP second-team All-American honors. Heading into the College Football Playoff, Smith was already projected as a potential top draft pick for 2027, the earliest he can enter the NFL. The policy, which extends until he signs an NFL contract or Aug. 1, 2027, offers peace of mind to Smith and his family, protecting him against career-ending injuries, whether on or off the field.
Bryce Young
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, made history when he secured a $20 million PTD insurance policy—the highest known coverage amount in the industry. This significant coverage underscored Young’s value after a stellar college career that included leading the Crimson Tide to an SEC title and a national championship appearance. Young was the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers.
Will Anderson Jr.
Widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in recent college football history, Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. joined Bryce Young in securing a groundbreaking $20 million PTD insurance policy. Anderson’s dominance on the field was ridiculous — he finished his college career with 34.5 sacks and two Bronko Nagurski Trophies. The policy reflected Anderson’s rare combination of athleticism, production, and potential to be a cornerstone for an NFL defense. His accolades made him a top-five pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans.
Jaylon Smith
Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith’s case remains one of the most high-profile examples of how loss of draft value (LOV) insurance can work. Projected as a top-five pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Smith suffered a devastating knee injury in the Fiesta Bowl, tearing his MCL and ACL. While his first-round dreams were dashed, Smith collected $700,000 through his LOV policy. The injury impacted his rookie contract, but Smith ultimately carved out a successful NFL career and earned a lucrative second contract.
Leonard Fournette
Former LSU running back Leonard Fournette was one of the first college athletes to publicly detail his PTD insurance policy. Fournette’s coverage reflected his elite status after a standout college career in which he rushed for 1,953 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2015. Though injuries hampered his final collegiate season, Fournette remained a top prospect and was selected No. 4 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Jameis Winston
Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston became a pioneer in the world of athlete insurance when the Seminoles paid premiums for a $10 million PTD and loss of draft value (LOV) policy in 2014. In many ways it set the market for what was to come the next few years. The 2013 Heisman Trophy winner led Florida State to an undefeated season and a national championship while throwing for over 4,000 yards. Winston went on to become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, validating the foresight of such insurance coverage.
Sam Bradford
Sam Bradford’s PTD insurance policy helped set the precedent for protecting top college athletes. The 2008 Heisman Trophy winner and Oklahoma quarterback suffered a shoulder injury during his junior season, raising questions about his draft stock. Despite the setback, Bradford’s coverage offered financial security as he navigated recovery. His talent remained evident, and Bradford became the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, signing a record-setting rookie contract under the NFL’s previous collective bargaining agreement.
