Steve Smith (defensive back)

Steven Michael Smith (born June 28, 1979) is a former American football cornerback. He played college football at Oregon. He was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 35th pick of the seventh round (246th overall) of the 2002 NFL draft.

Steve Smith
No. 21, 22
Position:Cornerback / Safety
Personal information
Born: (1979-06-28) June 28, 1979 (age 45)
Torrance, California, U.S.
Height:6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:190 lb (86 kg)
Career information
High school:San Pedro (San Pedro, California)
College:Oregon
NFL draft:2002 / round: 7 / pick: 246
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Stats at Pro Football Reference

He was also a member of the New Orleans Saints and Tennessee Titans of the NFL and the Cologne Centurions of NFL Europe.

College career

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Smith attended the University of Oregon from 1998 to 2001. In his senior season, he led the Ducks with nine interceptions, including three in the 2002 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, which earned him Defensive Player of the Game honors. As of 2014, he ranks 2nd all-time for pass break-ups in Oregon Ducks' history.[1]

Professional career

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Pre-draft

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He entered the draft process for the 2002 NFL draft, receiving an invite to that year's combine.

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight 40-yard dash 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump
6 ft 1 in
(1.85 m)
193 lb
(88 kg)
4.62 s 4.22 s 7.00 s 30.5 in
(0.77 m)
9 ft 1.92 in
(2.79 m)
Sources:[2]

Jacksonville Jaguars

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He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 35th pick of the seventh round (246th overall) of the 2002 NFL draft. He was waived on September 1, 2002, and assigned to the practice squad on September 3. He was subsequently released on December 4, 2002, and signed to the active roster. He was re-signed again on March 26, 2003. He was waived on May 19, 2003.[2]

New Orleans Saints

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Ten days later, on May 29, 2003, the New Orleans Saints signed Smith to their roster. They waived him on July 31, later that year.[2]

Tennessee Titans

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The Tennessee Titans then signed Smith on August 12, 2003. They later waived him on August 29. They subsequently signed him to their practice squad on September 2, 2003. On January 27, 2004, he signed a reserve/futures contract with the Titans.

In the Titans fourth pre-season against the Green Bay Packers in 2004, Smith suffered a spine injury that would end his career.[1]

Cologne Centurions

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He played for the Cologne Centurions of NFL Europe. He intercepted one pass for a seven-yard return.[3]

Personal life

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After retiring from football, Smith moved back to Eugene, Oregon, where he worked for UPS.

In 2013, he and his wife, Jamie, started a restaurant in Stockton, California called Smitty's Wings & Things. It was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2016.[4]

They have three children, Alex, Deja, and DeAndre.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Highfill, Bob. "Homecoming: Wings and honors fly for former Duck, wife". Recordnet.com. Recordnet. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c "Steve Smith". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  3. ^ "Steve Smith". StatsCrew.com. Stats Crew. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  4. ^ "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: "Smoked, Grilled and Fried"". IMDB. Retrieved August 15, 2024.