Professional football player and actor. For nine seasons (1967 to 1971, 1973 to 1976), he played at the defensive-end and defensive-tackle positions in the National Football League with the Baltimore Colts, Oakland Raiders, and Houston Oilers. Born Charles Aaron Smith, the son of Willie Ray Smith a noted Texas high school coach, he attended Pollard High School (Texas) and played college football at Michigan State University. With the Spartans, he achieved All-American status twice (1965 and 1966). Bubba played in the famous 1966 "Game of the Decade" Michigan State vs. Notre Dame football game, which resulted in a 10-10 tie. Selected by Baltimore during the 1st round (number 1 overall pick) of the 1967 NFL Draft, he appeared in 111 regular season games, earning Pro-Bowl honors twice (1970 and 1971), and a First-Team All-Pro selection in 1971. Along with Fred Miller, Billy Ray Smith, Sr., and Roy Hilton, he formed a formidable Colts' defensive line which was a key component to their capturing of Super Bowl V played on January 17th, 1971. While with Oakland, he contributed to two consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances (1973 and 1974). Following his football career, he turned to acting and will perhaps be best remembered for playing Officer Moses Hightower in the "Police Academy" film series. He co-starred with Hall of Fame football player Dick Butkus in the short-lived TV series "Blue Thunder" (1984), as well as having guest star roles in numerous other programs. He was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988. He died from acute drug intoxication and heart disease at age 66 in 2011.
Professional football player and actor. For nine seasons (1967 to 1971, 1973 to 1976), he played at the defensive-end and defensive-tackle positions in the National Football League with the Baltimore Colts, Oakland Raiders, and Houston Oilers. Born Charles Aaron Smith, the son of Willie Ray Smith a noted Texas high school coach, he attended Pollard High School (Texas) and played college football at Michigan State University. With the Spartans, he achieved All-American status twice (1965 and 1966). Bubba played in the famous 1966 "Game of the Decade" Michigan State vs. Notre Dame football game, which resulted in a 10-10 tie. Selected by Baltimore during the 1st round (number 1 overall pick) of the 1967 NFL Draft, he appeared in 111 regular season games, earning Pro-Bowl honors twice (1970 and 1971), and a First-Team All-Pro selection in 1971. Along with Fred Miller, Billy Ray Smith, Sr., and Roy Hilton, he formed a formidable Colts' defensive line which was a key component to their capturing of Super Bowl V played on January 17th, 1971. While with Oakland, he contributed to two consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances (1973 and 1974). Following his football career, he turned to acting and will perhaps be best remembered for playing Officer Moses Hightower in the "Police Academy" film series. He co-starred with Hall of Fame football player Dick Butkus in the short-lived TV series "Blue Thunder" (1984), as well as having guest star roles in numerous other programs. He was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988. He died from acute drug intoxication and heart disease at age 66 in 2011.
Bio by: C.S.
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