J’Mar Smith: From Dunkin’ to Birmingham Basketball Hero
- After retiring from the UFL in March, the former Birmingham Stallions quarterback found himself making coffee and serving doughnuts at a local dunkin' Donuts in Birmingham, Alabama.
- Now,less then two months later,smith is back in uniform,leading the Stallions into the UFL playoffs.
- Smith described his mental state before the season as uncertain.
J’Mar Smith’s story is a remarkable journey from teh counter at Dunkin’ Donuts to leading the Birmingham Stallions in the UFL playoffs. Forced into a brief retirement, Smith found himself serving coffee and donuts, a far cry from the gridiron. But injury woes within the Stallions quarterback roster opened a door for his comeback. The primarykeyword, Smith, seized the chance, guiding the team to a 3-1 record and securing a playoff berth, defying expectations. This secondarykeyword revival showcases the grit and resilience of a player who once aimed to build a dynasty, then traded football for a job. The unexpected detour included applying for jobs and earning praise from his Dunkin’ manager. News Directory 3 follows Smith’s saga. now,with the playoffs looming,Smith’s future in professional football hangs in the balance. Discover what’s next for J’mar Smith, and the stallions.
From Dunkin’ to the UFL: J’Mar Smith’s Unlikely Comeback
Updated June 6, 2025
J’Mar Smith’s spring took an unexpected turn. After retiring from the UFL in March, the former Birmingham Stallions quarterback found himself making coffee and serving doughnuts at a local dunkin’ Donuts in Birmingham, Alabama. Smith,28,needed a job to support his son while continuing online classes for a master’s degree and working out with a private coach.
Now,less then two months later,smith is back in uniform,leading the Stallions into the UFL playoffs. A series of quarterback injuries opened the door for his return. Smith guided the team to a 3-1 record and will start against the Michigan Panthers in the UFL playoffs.
Smith described his mental state before the season as uncertain. “I just had to figure it out,” Smith said. “Figure out what was best for me… It turned out in my favor,and I’m blessed and thankful for it.”
Smith initially joined coach Skip Holtz’s Stallions in 2022, aiming to build a dynasty. While the Stallions secured USFL championships in 2022 and 2023, and a UFL title in 2024, Smith’s career path diverged, leading to his retirement in March.
His decision to retire came during the drive to training camp in Arlington, Texas.Smith realized he couldn’t face another season as a backup. He pulled into a Buc-ee’s, bought a sweet tea, and turned his car back toward Birmingham.
Holtz acknowledged Smith’s positive influence on the team, even from the sidelines. However, Smith wasn’t content with a backup role. “He just felt like he wasn’t in a place that he could go back and be as positive and supportive,” Holtz said.
Back in Birmingham,Smith applied for about 10 jobs,making it clear he would leave for a playing opportunity. The only offer came from Dunkin’, which also offered management training.
“I looked at it as them giving me a great opportunity,” Smith said. “It was great pay for what I was doing.You’ve got to pay bills.”
Lola Zatarain, the Dunkin’ manager, described Smith as bringing “amazing energy” to the early-morning shift.
Smith continued to train with quarterback coach Demetric Price, who sensed an opportunity was coming. Meanwhile, injuries plagued the Stallions’ quarterback roster. Starter Alex McGough was injured, and Corral also faced a hip injury. Holtz reached out to Smith, who initially signed a one-week deal before injuries created a genuine opportunity.
“Sometimes,man,you have to take a step back to take two steps forward,” Price said.
Holtz first saw Smith’s potential in 2015, during recruitment for Louisiana Tech. “He just had a huge arm,” Holtz recalled.”He had to learn to control it.”
After Corral’s reinjury, Smith signed a second contract. When other quarterbacks where sidelined, Smith stepped in. “J’Mar just became the healthiest quarterback I had,” Holtz said.
Despite some initial struggles, Smith finished the season strong, with 758 passing yards, 90 rushing yards, and seven touchdowns in four games.
Wide receiver Deon Cain praised Smith’s leadership and preparation. “I’m excited to see how he finishes out the season for us,” Cain said.
Holtz is impressed with Smith’s resilience. “You’re talking about a guy that really hadn’t played football in 2½ years,” holtz said. “What a great lesson for everybody.”
Smith remains realistic about his future, but he’s focused on the present. “I just love the game of football,” Smith said.
What’s next
Smith will lead the Stallions in the UFL playoffs against the Michigan Panthers. His performance could determine his future in professional football,but for now,grad school and Dunkin’ management training are on hold.