By Darin 
October 24, 1949, Fort Worth, Texas, marked the birth of Ernie Smith, a powerful defensive talent who carved out a notable career on both the collegiate and professional grids.
College Career Smith attended the University of Southern California (USC), where he anchored one of college football’s fiercest defensive lines. A dominant force at defensive tackle, his performance during the 1971 season earned him national recognition, culminating in his selection as a consensus All-American. He helped lead the Trojans to significant victories, including a trip to the 1970 Rose Bowl, cementing his status among USC’s defensive elite.
Road to the Pro Game His exceptional college career made him a high-value target in the 1972 NFL Draft, where the Green Bay Packers selected him in the fourth round. Smith quickly established himself as a reliable interior lineman. He spent five seasons patrolling the defensive front for the Packers (1972–1976), contributing to their defensive efforts before concluding his NFL career with the San Diego Chargers (1977–1978).
Football Legacy Ernie Smith’s legacy is rooted in his All-American status at USC, symbolizing the intense defensive talent of the era. He transitioned successfully from college stardom to the rigors of the NFL, demonstrating consistency and powerful play in the trenches over his seven-year career. He remains a celebrated figure in Trojan football history for his defensive contributions.
Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats
- Consensus All-American (1971)
- Played in the 1970 Rose Bowl
- NFL Career: 7 seasons (Packers, Chargers)
- Total NFL Games Played: 89
Big thanks to Pro-Football-Reference.com