Robert Smith (football player)

Infobox NFLretired


name=Robert Smith
|caption=
position=Running back
number=20 (1993), 26 (1994-200)
birthdate=birth date and age|1972|3|4
Euclid, Ohio
debutyear=1993
finalyear=2000
draftyear=1993
draftround=1
draftpick=21
college=Ohio State
teams=
* Minnesota Vikings (1993-2000)
stat1label=Rushing Yards
stat1value=6,818
stat2label=Average
stat2value=4.8
stat3label=Touchdowns
stat3value=32
nfl=SMI663984
highlights=
* 2x Pro Bowl selection (1998, 2000)
HOF=
CollegeHOF=

Robert Scott Smith (born March 4, 1972 in Euclid, Ohio) is a former American football running back who played with the Ohio State Buckeyes and later with the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL. He is known for his academic hobbies including astronomy and medicine. He also starred in track and field while at Ohio State. Smith is the only player to ever win Ohio's Mr. Football Award twice (in 1988 and 1989).

NFL

Smith was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round (21st overall) of the 1993 NFL Draft. Although he suffered from a number of ailments in his first few seasons, he finally broke through in 1997, gaining 1,266 yards. Smith's finest year as a pro came in the 2000 season, leading the NFC in rushing with 1,521 yards. He retired at the end of the season, despite being at the peak of his career.

In eight NFL seasons, Smith rushed for 6,818 yards and 32 touchdowns, along with 178 receptions for 1,292 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also returned 1 punt for 4 yards and 19 kickoffs for a total of 460 yards. Smith wore number 20 as a rookie in 1993, but switched to number 26 when it became available in 1994 and wore it until his retirment.

After retirement

Smith retired after only eight seasons in the NFL. He walked away from the game to pursue a career in medicine as well as to avoid any serious injuries. He has maintained a mostly private life since his retirement. He has appeared as a guest on the ESPN news program "Outside the Lines", as well as on various ESPN programs alongside regulars Rece Davis, Mark May, and Lou Holtz. Smith also works on the NFL Network as an analyst and has appeared on The Score to discuss the NFL.

Smith founded the [http://www.rskids.org/index.htm Robert Smith Foundation] , a charity whose goal is to "provide financial and moral support for Children's hospitals and cancer research."

Smith made a cameo appearance 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' antagonist) as a present by her minions.

2004 saw publication of Smith's book " [http://www.inkwaterbooks.com/product_info.php/products_id/136 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.

Smith is one of the amateur astronomers featured in science writer Timothy Ferris's 2007 PBS program, "Seeing in the Dark," based on his 2002 book of the same name.

External links

* [http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=2351 Robert Smith ESPN.Com Profile]
* [http://www.blackathlete.com/Cubefour/index.shtml Mr. Smith Goes To The World] Posted: Wednesday, July 21, 2004