New York Jets Breece Hall has emerged as one of the more talented running backs in the NFL. However, he wouldn’t be where he is today without his terrific support system. Let’s get to know his parents: Larhonda McDaniel, Raquel Guerra, and Jeff Smith.
Breece Hall’s Father and Stepfather, Raquel Guerra and Jeff Smith
Born May 31, 2001, Hall did not grow up with his father, Guerra. Shortly after Hall was born, Guerra and McDaniel split up.
Instead, Hall grew up with McDaniel and her boyfriend, Hall’s stepfather, Jeff Smith.
Little is known about Hall’s birth father or their relationship. However, Hall and Smith are close. In fact, they bonded over football since Smith had an NFL career of his own.
Drafted in the 10th round (No. 267 overall) of the 1985 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, Smith was a running back and kick returner who played 56 games during his NFL career, rushing for 752 yards and five touchdowns while also totaling 718 receiving yards and seven scores through the air.
After two years with the Chiefs, Smith also played two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also had a brief stint on the Green Bay Packers in 1989, but he never officially suited up for them.
Smith is perhaps best known for his two-touchdown performance for Nebraska in the 1984 Orange Bowl.
Given his NCAA and NFL experience, Smith was able to help his stepson when it was his turn to navigate the football world. After his NFL career, Smith became a court services officer in Wichita, Kansas.
Interestingly, Hall’s family is full of NFL running backs, as his cousin is former Indianapolis Colts RB Kenton Keith and his third cousin is three-time Super Bowl-winner and 1988 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Roger Craig.
Hall’s Mother, Larhonda McDaniel
While Smith was a valuable resource as Hall pursued his own football career, his mother was his biggest supporter.
Following his last season at Iowa State during which he broke many records, Hall teared up as he left the field following the Cyclones’ 48-14 win over TCU and he found his mother, embracing her from the stands.
All the feels ❤️ pic.twitter.com/HCHApBJl2G
— Iowa State Athletics (@CycloneATH)
“I was overwhelmed. It was a big moment for him and for the team and the fans. When I saw his tears as he was running toward me, I just lost it,” McDaniel said. “He’s so humble, but to see him took my breath away.”
McDaniel has been by her son’s side throughout every step of his football journey.
