Professional Football Player. For ten seasons (1965 to 1974), he played at the defensive back and wide receiver positions in the National Football League with the Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders. While attending East Chicago High School, Smith achieved greatness at basketball and track in addition to football and continued his athletic excellence at the University of Wisconsin. While a member of the Badgers, he was a contributor to their memorable season of 1962 for which culminated with an appearance in the Rose Bowl in 1963. He was signed as a non-drafted player by the Bears and appeared in 139 regular season games while establishing himself as one of the best special teams players of his time. In 1966, he led the NFL with 43 kick returns and topped the 1,000 yard mark with his league-leading 1,043 yards returned while having the distinction of being a member of Atlanta's roster during their inaugural season in 1966. The following year (1967), he finished as league leader once again in kick returns with 39 and yards returned with 976. In 1972, he led the league with a 30.8 yards returned average and one return for a touchdown for which earned him Pro-Bowl honors that year. He died of complications from lung cancer.
Professional Football Player. For ten seasons (1965 to 1974), he played at the defensive back and wide receiver positions in the National Football League with the Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders. While attending East Chicago High School, Smith achieved greatness at basketball and track in addition to football and continued his athletic excellence at the University of Wisconsin. While a member of the Badgers, he was a contributor to their memorable season of 1962 for which culminated with an appearance in the Rose Bowl in 1963. He was signed as a non-drafted player by the Bears and appeared in 139 regular season games while establishing himself as one of the best special teams players of his time. In 1966, he led the NFL with 43 kick returns and topped the 1,000 yard mark with his league-leading 1,043 yards returned while having the distinction of being a member of Atlanta's roster during their inaugural season in 1966. The following year (1967), he finished as league leader once again in kick returns with 39 and yards returned with 976. In 1972, he led the league with a 30.8 yards returned average and one return for a touchdown for which earned him Pro-Bowl honors that year. He died of complications from lung cancer.
Bio by: C.S.
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