- Key Takeaway: Riley Smith was not only a consensus All-American quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide but also made professional football history as the very first drafted player to ever take the field in the National Football League.
Birth and Early Life
Riley Henry Smith was born on July 14, 1911, in Carrollton, Mississippi. Raised in the Mississippi Delta, he played high school football in Greenwood and Columbus before taking his talents to Tuscaloosa to play for the University of Alabama.
College Career
At Alabama, Smith became the prototypical “triple-threat” quarterback of the single-wing era under legendary head coach Frank Thomas. Playing varsity from 1933 to 1935, Smith was revered for his complete skill set; he could pass, run, block, punt, and kick field goals and extra points. Nicknamed “General” for his exceptional leadership on the field, he anchored the powerhouse 1934 Crimson Tide squad. That historic team went undefeated and capped off their season by defeating Stanford 29–13 in the January 1, 1935 Rose Bowl to secure a national championship.
Road to the Pro Game
In 1936, the National Football League held its inaugural player draft. The Boston Redskins selected Riley Smith with the second overall pick. While Heisman Trophy winner Jay Berwanger was taken first overall, Berwanger chose not to play professional football due to a salary dispute. As a result, Smith entered the record books as the first drafted player in NFL history to sign a contract and play in a game. Smith was a durable ironman for the franchise, missing just three minutes of action over 26 games during his first two professional seasons. He transitioned with the team when they relocated to become the Washington Redskins, leading them as the starting quarterback in their first-ever postseason game in 1936 and helping them capture the NFL Championship in 1937.
Football Legacy
Though a severe injury cut his professional playing days short after the 1938 season, Smith’s impact on the sport remained profound. He went on to coach at Washington and Lee University, serving as head coach in 1941, before answering the call of duty during World War II as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy. Following the war, Smith became a successful real estate developer in Mobile, Alabama, and dedicated much of his life to philanthropic work, raising millions of dollars for the University of Alabama and local charities. He was rightfully inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1978 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1985. Smith passed away on August 9, 1999, leaving behind an enduring legacy as an ultimate gridiron pioneer.
Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats
College & Professional Honors
- National Champion: 1934 (Alabama)
- Rose Bowl Champion: 1935
- Consensus First-Team All-American: 1935
- Jacobs Blocking Trophy Winner: 1935 (SEC’s top blocker)
- NFL Champion: 1937 (Washington Redskins)
- All-Pro Selection: 2× Second-team All-Pro (1936, 1938)
- Hall of Fame Inductions: College Football Hall of Fame (1985), Alabama Sports Hall of Fame (1978), Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame (1984)
NFL Career Statistics
- Passing Yards: 290 yards (300 receiving yards, 58 rushing yards)
- Touchdowns: 3 passing touchdowns, 2 receiving touchdowns
- Special Teams: Successfully converted 4 field goals and 14 extra points during the 1936 season alone.
Thank you for the above information sourced from the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, National Football Foundation, Wikipedia, and Newspapers.com.