Jackie Smith
Sport: Football
Induction Year: 1983
University: Northwestern State
Induction Year: 1983
The 6-4, 235-pound red-headed, south Louisiana boy came out of college with little fanfare, but unusual speed and agility for a man his size. After leading the Demons in receiving and also punting for a 1962 Gulf States Conference team, and being a hurdler on the track team, Smith earned a late-round draft pick from the St. Louis Cardinals. Taking receiving tips from fellow Northwestern State product Charlie Hennigan, then an All-AFL flanker for the Houston Oilers, Smith refined his skills and quickly showed pro football that the tight end could be a weapon in the passing game. His combination of speed and punishing blocking and tackle-breaking revolutionized the NFL and confounded defenses. He was noted as an excellent runner after the catch.
Smith, who handled the Cardinals punting duties in his first three seasons, became a starter as a rookie. He played in five straight Pro Bowls from 1967-71 and was All-NFL in 1967 and 1969. He was the team’s offensive co-captain as he had a streak of 45 games with at least one reception. Smith played in 121 straight contests until a knee injury sidelined him in his ninth season (1971).
He played all but his final season with St. Louis, where he became an iconic sports star on the level of baseball greats Lou Brock, Bob Gibson and Stan Musial. He played his final season in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys, helping them reach the Super Bowl XIII. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and enshrined in 1994.
A talented singer, he has performed the national anthem at his alma mater and at St. Louis area events and sporting events.
Stats
A 10th-round NFL Draft pick in 1963, Smith played in 210 games and was the all-time leading tight end receiver when he retired in 1977 with 480 receptions for 7,918 yards and 40 touchdowns. He had 40 or more catches in seven seasons with St. Louis.
His 16.5-yards per catch average in his career reflects his excellent speed and determined running style.
As a rookie, he gave notice of things to come with a 9-reception, 212-yard game against Pittsburgh.
His best statistical season was in 1967 when he posted 56 receptions for 1,205 yards and nine TDs.
Other Hall of Fame memberships:
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Northwestern State Graduate N Club Hall of Fame
St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame
