By Darin Few athletes truly reach “larger-than-life” status, but Bubba Smith stood tall as an exception. Standing 6’7″ and possessing terrifying speed for his size, Smith became the face of Michigan State’s “Game of the Century” defense before terrorizing NFL quarterbacks for nearly a decade. Whether he was anchoring a championship line in Baltimore or stealing scenes on the silver screen, Bubba Smith’s presence was impossible to ignore.
Football Bio
February 28, 1945 – Orange, Texas – Michigan State’s giant of a defensive end, Bubba Smith, was born. Smith was a two-time All-American end who learned much of his craft from his father, Willie Ray Smith, a high school football coach in Texas. Bubba Smith was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988. Smith was the Baltimore Colts’ first draft choice and made all-pro. Bubba also played for the Raiders and the Oilers organizations during his NFL tenure. In the 1980’s, Bubba used his enormous size to break into acting in movies and TV, most notably in the Police Academy series.
Conclusion
Bubba Smith remains a symbol of an era where defensive players became as iconic as the quarterbacks they pursued. From his roots in Texas under his father’s tutelage to his legendary status at Michigan State and his Super Bowl success in the pros, Smith defined the role of the modern defensive end. His transition into a beloved actor only cemented his legacy as a cultural icon, proving that his charisma was just as powerful as his pass rush.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Super Bowl Champion: Won Super Bowl V with the Baltimore Colts.
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1988.
- No. 1 Overall NFL Draft Pick: Selected first overall by the Baltimore Colts in 1967.
- Two-Time First-Team All-American: (1965, 1966) at Michigan State.
- Two-Time NFL Pro Bowl Selection: (1970, 1971).
- First-Team All-Pro: Recognized as one of the league’s best in 1971.
- National Champion: Part of the 1965 and 1966 Michigan State teams (consensus/co-champions).
- Retired Number: His #95 is retired by Michigan State University.
