296. Dennis Smith

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Dennis Smith was one of the best Defensive Backs in the history of the Denver Broncos.

A six-time Pro Bowl Selection, Smith recorded 30 Interceptions and well over 1,000 tackles, and as of this writing, is the leading tackler for the franchise as well as the top finisher in Tackles overall in the 1983 Season. While Smith does not have a Super Bowl Ring, he appeared in three of those games, where the Broncos may not have appeared in had he not been there patrolling the Secondary. Smith's career would span 14 seasons (all with Denver), and he started 170 of his 184 Games.

The Bullet Points

Country of Origin: Santa Monica, California, U.S.A.
Eligible Since: Saturday, 01 January 2000
Position: Safety
Games Played: 184
Notable Statistics: 170 Games Started
30 Interceptions
431 Interception Return Yards
20 Forced Fumbles*
17 Fumble Recoveries
69 Fumble Recovery Yards
1 Fumble Recovery Touchdown
15.0 Quarterback Sacks
1,158 Combined Tackles
23 Solo Tackles**
6 Assisted Tackles**
100 Approximate Value

12 Playoff Games
12 Playoff Games Started
2 Interceptions
13 Interception Return Yards
5 Combined Tackles

*Forced Fumbles were unofficially calculated by Pro Football Reference from 1997 to 1998
**Solo and Assisted Tackles became statistics in the 1999 Season.
Played For: Denver Broncos
College: USC
Drafted: 2nd Round, 15th Overall in 1981
Major Accolades and Awards:
Super Bowl Rings (None)
Second Team All-Pro Selection (1) (1989)
Pro Bowl Selection (6) (1985, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1991 & 1992)
Most Solo Tackles (1) (1983)
Most Combined Tackles (1) (1983)
Other Points of Note:
Top Ten Defensive Player of the Year Finishes:
5th in 1989

Top Ten Finishes: Fumble Return Yards (1) (1984)
Top Ten Finishes: Interceptions (1) (1991)
Top Ten Finishes: Combined Tackles (4) (1981, 1982, 1983 & 1984)
Top Ten Finishes: Forced Fumbles (1) (1989)
Notable All Time Rankings: 46. Combined Tackles: 1,158
88. Forced Fumbles: 20
Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: None

Should Dennis Smith be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 50%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 12.5%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 37.5%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 0%

Last modified on Sunday, 27 September 2026 23:36

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