Robert Smith (football)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Robert Smith | |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | March 4, 1972 |
| Place of birth | Euclid, Ohio |
| Position(s) | Running back |
| College | Ohio State |
| NFL Draft | 1993 / Round 1 |
| Pro Bowls | 1998, 2000 |
| Statistics | |
| Team(s) | |
| 1993-2000 | Minnesota Vikings |
- For other persons named Robert Smith, see Robert Smith (disambiguation).
Robert Scott Smith (born March 4, 1972 in Euclid, Ohio) is a former American football running back who starred at Ohio State and later for the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL. He was known for his academic hobbies including astronomy and medicine. He also starred in Track and Field while at Ohio State. Smith is a devout atheist.
While at Ohio State, he sat out a year to focus on his academic pursuits. Allegations were made that he sat out that year after a football coach told him to skip class so that he could attend practice.
[edit] NFL
He was selected in the first round by the Vikings in 1993, and had a number of ailments in his first few seasons. He finally broke through in 1997, gaining 1,266 yards and had several seasons in a row over 1,000 yards. His best year of 2000 had him leading the NFC in rushing with 1,521 yards. He immediately retired after the season, despite being at the peak of his career and likely being eligible for a huge contract the following season.
Smith finished his 8 NFL seasons with 6,818 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns, along with 178 receptions for 1,292 yards and 6 touchdowns. Smith also returned 1 punt for 4 yards and gained 460 yards on 19 kickoff returns. Throughout his NFL career he was number 26.
[edit] After retirement
Among the reasons for retiring were that he had made enough money and wanted to walk away from the game before suffering a permanent injury. He has led a largely private life since his retirement.
Smith made a cameo in the TV series Mystery Science Theater 3000. He was in Season 8 Episode 3 The Mole People. He played a scantily clad, mute "hunk" given to Pearl (the series's antagonist) as a present by her minions.
2004 saw publication of his book The Rest of the Iceberg: An Insider's View on the World of Sport and Celebrity. In it he discussed his background, his time at Ohio State and the NFL, and why he retired. He also analyzed the obsession placed on sports stars by the public.
As well as appearing as a guest on the ESPN news program Outside the Lines, Smith can be seen working on the NFL Network as an analyst. He has also appeared on The Score to discuss the goings-on in the NFL.
Robert Smith founded the Robert Smith Foundation, a charity whose goal is to "provide financial and moral support for Children's hospitals and cancer research."
[edit] External links
| Preceded by Carlos Snow |
Ohio State Buckeyes Starting Tailbacks 1990 |
Succeeded by Carlos Snow |
| Ohio State Buckeyes Football I-Formation Tailbacks |
|---|
| Griffin • Logan • Springs • Murray • Spencer • Byars • Wooldridge • Workman • Snow • Smith • Harris • George • Pearson • Wiley • Combs • Wells • Clarett • Ross • Pittman |
 |
This biographical article relating to a running back is a stub. You can help by expanding it. |
