Jackie Smith

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Jackie Larue Smith (born February 23, 1940) is a former American football tight end who played in the NFL for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.

Early life and college
Smith grew up in Columbia, Mississippi, and went to Kentwood High School in Louisiana. He faced several injuries in high school, including a torn Achilles tendon and an ankle infection, and he also competed in track and field, excelling in hurdles. He earned a football scholarship to Northwestern State University, where he started playing for the Demons and also ran track. He later delivered strong receiving numbers in his last two college seasons and was inducted into the Northwestern State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1980.

NFL career
The St. Louis Cardinals drafted Smith in the 10th round of 1963. He quickly became the starting tight end after an injury to another player. His rookie season featured a standout game with 212 yards and two touchdowns. Smith started essentially every game for the Cardinals for more than a decade, earning a reputation as a fast receiver and a strong blocker. He played in 121 straight games until an injury in 1971 and served as a team co-captain. His best year came in 1967, when he had 56 receptions for 1,205 yards and nine touchdowns. He made multiple All-Pro teams and Pro Bowls (five straight from 1966 to 1970) and was known for his durability and versatility.

Smith played 15 seasons with the Cardinals, recording 7,918 receiving yards and 480 receptions, and he was the club’s leading tight end in yards for many years. He also served as the Cardinals’ punter for a few seasons. After injuries in the mid-1970s, he retired from the Cardinals in 1977.

Dallas Cowboys and Super Bowl
In 1978, at age 38, Smith came out of retirement to join the Dallas Cowboys to help at tight end. He was valued for his blocking and veteran experience, even though he was not a regular starter. He helped the team reach the postseason, including a game-saving reception in the NFC Divisional Playoff against the Atlanta Falcons. Smith appeared in Super Bowl XIII, where a late third-down pass he intended for him became a turning moment in the Steelers’ win. He retired again after the season.

Legacy
Smith retired with 7,918 career receiving yards, a record for a tight end at the time. He is remembered as one of the pioneers who helped transform the tight end position into a true receiving threat as well as a blocker. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994, among other honors, and later received recognition in several regional halls of fame. After football, he worked in marketing for Hobie Cat boats and sometimes performed the national anthem at events.