Selected second overall in the 1988 NFL Draft out of the University of Nebraska, Neil Smith stepped onto the turf at Arrowhead Stadium with huge expectations. The All-American defensive end quickly established himself as a physical force off the edge, bringing rare closing speed, immense power, and a signature home-run celebration that made him a fan favorite across Kansas City.

After flashing potential during his first three seasons, Smith exploded into a dominant star as part of Marty Schottenheimer's defensive unit. Teaming up with linebacking legend Derrick Thomas, Smith formed one half of the most feared edge-rushing duos in professional football history. Opposing offensive lines were forced to pick their poison, and Smith made them pay routinely, earning his first Pro Bowl nod in 1991.

The peak of Smith's run in red and gold arrived during a remarkable four-year stretch from 1992 through 1995, where he topped double-digit sacks in four consecutive seasons. His crown-jewel performance came in 1993, when he led the entire NFL with 15.0 sacks while forcing three fumbles, earning First-Team AP All-Pro honors and helping propel the Chiefs to the AFC Championship Game.

Smith's dominant motor earned him five consecutive Pro Bowl selections (1991–1995) in Kansas City, alongside three All-Pro selections. Over his nine seasons with the Chiefs, his ability to collapse the pocket and stop the run anchored one of the league's elite defensive units. By the time he departed after the 1996 campaign, he had racked up 85.5 sacks for the franchise, sitting behind only Derrick Thomas on the team's all-time leaderboard.  He also had 32 forced fumbles and 527 combined tackles in Arrowhead.

Following his tenure in Kansas City, Smith joined the rival Denver Broncos in 1997, where he served as an impactful veteran presence and captured back-to-back Super Bowl rings (XXXII and XXXIII). He closed out his 13-year career with the San Diego Chargers in 2000, finishing with over 100 career sacks and earning a spot on the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team.

Despite wearing division-rival colors late in his career, Smith's heart and peak years remained rooted in Kansas City. In 2006, the franchise recognized his legendary contributions by inducting him as the 36th member of the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame.