Antowain Smith

Antowain Drurell Smith (born March 14, 1972 in Millbrook, Alabama) is a former American Football running back in the National Football League who played nine NFL seasons, most notably with the New England Patriots. At 6'2", 230 lb (100 kg), Smith's powerful running style made him an effective runner between the tackles. Smith was also a leader in the locker room, and had underrated blitz pick-up and receiving skills.

High school career

Smith attended Stanhope Elmore High School in Millbrook, Alabama. As a senior running back, he was an All-District pick and won All-Conference honors.

College career

Smith was a standout running back at East Mississippi Community College and the University of Houston.

Professional career

Antowain Smith was drafted in the first round of the 1997 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. In his rookie season Smith ran for 840 yards and 8 touchdowns with also catching 28 passes. The next season Smith ran for 1,124 yards and again scored 8 times, although his yards per carry dropped from 4.3 to just 3.7.^[1] Smith gained just 27 total yards in the Bills first round playoff loss in 1998. The next season was disappointing and saw Smith score 6 times while rushing for just 614 yards. He did manage to run for 79 yards and two scores in the Bill's first round playoff game but the Bills still lost to the Titans. Having fallen out of favor with the coaching staff Smith ran for just 354 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2000.^[2]

The next season Smith rejuvenated his professional career when he joined the New England Patriots. He ran for 1,157 yards and 12 touchdowns in the regular season. He also ran for 204 yards in the playoffs as the Patriots won Super Bowl XXXVI. Smith's numbers dropped off a bit in 2002 as he ran for 982 yards and 6 touchdowns. He did get more involved in the passing game however, and caught 31 balls including 2 touchdowns. 2003 was Smith's final season in New England and he managed just 642 yards, although he still led the team in rushing. His play improved in the playoffs that year as he ran for 252 yards and 2 scores as Smith and the Patriots won their second Super Bowl Championship.

Smith joined the Titans for 2004 and he ran for 509 yards. It was the only season in his career in which he failed to record a single 100 yard game. Smith played his final NFL season in 2005, with the New Orleans Saints, running for 659 yards and 3 scores. For his career Smith played in 131 games, running for 6,881 yards and 54 touchdowns, good for 50th and 44th on the all-time lists respectively.

References