By Darin Few players transition from collegiate dominance to NFL greatness as seamlessly as Jim Ray Smith. A powerhouse at Baylor and a defensive nightmare in the pros, Smith combined raw strength with a tactical mind to redefine the tackle position. From his All-American days in Waco to protecting the pocket for the Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys, discover the legacy of a man who earned his place in both the College Football Hall of Fame and the hearts of Texas football fans.
Courtesy of Browns photographers via Wikimedia Commons
Football Bio
February 27, 1932 – West Columbia, Texas – Baylor’s standout Tackle, Jim Ray Smith, was born. The NFF states that Jim Ray was an All-America pick by the American Football Coaches Association in 1953. The National Football Foundation voters secured Jim Ray Smith’s gridiron accomplishments by enshrining them in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1987. After school ended, Smith played 9 seasons in the NFL with both the Cleveland Browns and the Dallas Cowboys, and appeared in 5 Pro Bowls.
Conclusion
Jim Ray Smith remains a towering figure in the history of Texas football. His journey from a standout tackle at Baylor to a multi-year Pro Bowler in the NFL highlights a career built on consistency and elite physical play. By anchoring some of the most iconic lines in football history, Smith didn’t just play the game—he dominated it. His 1987 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame serves as a permanent reminder of his impact on the sport at every level.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1987.
- First-Team All-American: Selected by the AFCA in 1953.
- 5× Pro Bowl Selection: Represented the NFL’s elite (1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962).
- 3× First-team All-Pro: Recognized as the best at his position (1959, 1960, 1961).
- 2× Second-team All-Pro: Continued excellence in 1958 and 1962.
- Baylor Athletics Hall of Fame: Inducted for his legendary collegiate career.
- Texas Sports Hall of Fame: Honored for his contributions to the state’s rich sports history.
- NFL Career: Played 9 seasons, primarily as a standout offensive guard for the Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys.
