gold star for USAHOF

132. Jerry Smith

This page generously sponsored by: Nobody yet! Sponsor it on Patreon to be the first name on this list!
  • Published in Football
  • Read 3067 times
  • Rate this item
    (1 Vote)
132. Jerry Smith

Playing his entire career with the Washington Redskins, Jerry Smith was one of the new breed of Tight Ends who was redefining the position.  Smith was a more than adequate blocker, but he was catching passes at the same rate of Wide Receivers, a trait that was not common in the 1960s and 1970s.  Smith would help the Redskins reach their first Super Bowl and he finished in the top ten in Receptions four times, and Receiving Touchdowns five times.  He would be a Pro Bowl twice and in 1969, he was named a First Team All-Pro.

At the time of his retirement, Smith had the most Touchdowns by a Tight End.

We would be remised if we did not mention that Smith passed away in 1986 due to complications from AIDS.  He was a closeted player, though some of his teammates were aware of his sexual orientation.  Considering that there has yet to be a player in the NFL as of 2019 who played while openly gay, it can only be imagined the internal struggle that he had.

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Eugene, Oregon, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Saturday, 01 January 1983
  • Position: Tight End
  • Games Played: 168
  • Notable Statistics: 421 Receptions
    5,496 Receiving Yards
    60 Receiving Touchdowns
    8 Rushing Attempts
    56 Rushing Yards
    1 Punt Return
    0 Punt Return Yards
    69 Approximate Value

    7 Playoff Games
    7 Receptions
    108 Receiving Yards
    1 Receiving Touchdown
    1 Rushing Attempt
    6 Rushing Yards
  • Played For: Washington Redskins
  • College: Arkansas
  • Drafted: 9th Round,118th Overall in 1965
  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    Super Bowl Rings (None)
    First Team All-Pro Selection (1) (1969)
    Second Team All-Pro Selection (1) (1967)
    Pro Bowl Selections (2) (1967 & 1969)

  • Other Points of Note:

    Top Ten Finishes: Receptions (4) (1966, 1967, 1968 & 1969)
    Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Touchdowns (5) (1966, 1967, 1969, 1970 & 1972)
    Top Ten Finishes: Touchdowns (2) (1967 & 1969)

  • Notable All Time Rankings: 92. Receiving Touchdowns: 60

Should Jerry Smith be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 96%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 0%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 4%
Last modified on Saturday, 25 March 2023 15:01

Comments powered by CComment