Leonard Smith: McNeese State Star to Super Bowl Defender

Leonard Smith dominated the collegiate gridiron as an elite defensive back and special teams disruptor before advancing to play in back-to-back NFL Super Bowls.

Football Bio

September 2, 1960 – Leonard Smith, a defensive back from McNeese State, was born on this day.

Mr. Smith was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in the 2014 induction class.

He was a great college corner, but he also had a real knack for walking punts, field goals, and point-after attempts.

He played for the Buffalo Bills and the St. Louis/Arizona Cardinals in the NFL; with the Bills, he appeared in Super Bowls 25 and 26.

Leonard Smith cemented his legacy as a defensive powerhouse, seamlessly translating his elite collegiate skills into a formidable NFL career. His unique ability to disrupt plays both in coverage and on special teams ensures his permanent place among football’s all-time greats. [National Football Foundation]

Accolades and Football Accomplishments

• Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (Class of 2014).
• Set the NCAA record with 17 career blocked kicks.
• Drafted in the 1st round (17th overall) of the 1983 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals.
• Played in Super Bowl XXV and Super Bowl XXVI as a member of the Buffalo Bills.
• Named a First-Team Associated Press All-American in 1982.
• Earned Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1982.
• Selected as a Second-Team All-Pro in 1986.