Jaylon Smith Cashes Out Oura Stake for $1 Million
The former Dallas Cowboys linebacker's 2021 investment in the smart ring maker returned roughly tenfold in a February 2026 exit.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Investing
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Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Jaylon Smith cashed out his investment in Oura, the Finland-founded smart ring maker, for about $1 million in February 2026. Smith had invested $100,000 through its Series C round in 2021, a return of roughly tenfold.
Why it matters
The exit shows how athlete investors are increasingly backing consumer health and wearable technology companies. Oura's growth, including a $900 million funding round at an approximately $11 billion valuation, has made early stakes in the company valuable.
Smith's roughly $1 million exit came from a $100,000 investment, a tenfold return. Oura's October 2025 round raised $900 million at an approximate $11 billion valuation, led by Fidelity Management and Research, though the extraction does not specify how the exit was funded.
The players
Jaylon Smith
Former Dallas Cowboys linebacker who has also invested in JINYA ramen bar, CEV eyewear, and an insurance venture with his brother under Globe Life.
Oura
Finland-founded smart ring maker, established in 2013, that has become one of the most prominent wearable health technology companies.
Fidelity Management and Research
Investment management firm that led Oura's $900 million funding round.
The details
Smith invested through the RISE family office, a financial advisory firm serving athletes and high-net-worth individuals, which was introduced to him by founder Michael Ledo. He said he invested because he understood how important recovery and performance are in professional sports. Oura has sold over 5.5 million rings worldwide as of September 2025.
Timeline
2021: Smith invests $100,000 in Oura's Series C round while with the Dallas Cowboys.
October 2025: Oura raises $900 million at about an $11 billion valuation.
February 2026: Smith's Oura exit deal closes for about $1 million.
Market Dynamics
Smith's exit came during Oura's Series E round, following his 2021 entry in the Series C round. The sequence shows how early-stage investors in wearable health companies can realize gains as valuations climb through later funding rounds.
For retail investors, the story illustrates how private company stakes can deliver large returns but remain illiquid until a funding event or exit occurs. Access to such deals often runs through family offices or advisory firms rather than public markets.
The takeaway
Early investments in private companies can produce outsized returns, but access and timing matter. Investors considering similar opportunities should understand liquidity terms and how exits are structured before committing capital.
Further reading
Explore more on Investing to see how athlete and private-market deals like this one fit into the broader landscape.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hindustan Times.
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