A. J. Smith facts for kids

Albert J. Smith (born February 28, 1949 – died May 12, 2024) was an important person in American football. He worked as a scout and an executive for many years. A scout helps find talented players for a team. An executive helps manage the team.

Smith worked for several NFL and USFL teams. He spent 14 years with the Buffalo Bills. During his time there, the Bills won four AFC Championships. Later, he became the general manager for the San Diego Chargers. His son, Kyle, also works as an NFL scout and executive.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

A. J. Smith went to Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick, Rhode Island. He was a great player on both the football and track teams. After high school, he studied at Kentucky Wesleyan College. He earned a degree in health and physical education in 1971. In 2005, his college honored him with a special plaque.

After college, Smith became an assistant coach at Cranston High School West from 1971 to 1976. He also coached the Rhode Island Kings in 1976. In 1978, he was an assistant coach at the University of Rhode Island. Smith also played semi-professional football himself. He was a wide receiver for the Attleboro Kings from 1972 to 1974. He even had a tryout with the Washington Redskins in 1974.

In 1990, Smith was inducted into the American Football Association's Minor/Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame. Before working full-time in professional football, he taught physical education. He worked in the Providence, Rhode Island school system from 1971 to 1985.

Working in the NFL

A. J. Smith had a long and successful career in the National Football League (NFL). He helped build strong teams and make important decisions.

Buffalo Bills Success

Smith spent 14 seasons with the Buffalo Bills, from 1987 to 2000. He started as a scout, looking for new players. Over time, he moved up to become the director of pro personnel. This means he was in charge of finding and managing professional players. During his time, the Bills had a very successful period. They even played in four Super Bowls in a row.

Leading the San Diego Chargers

After his time with the Bills, Smith joined the San Diego Chargers in 2001. He became the director of pro personnel. In 2003, he was promoted to general manager. This is a very important role. The general manager is in charge of all football operations for the team. This includes drafting players, signing contracts, and making trades.

When Smith became general manager, the Chargers had not been to the playoffs since 1995. He helped turn the team around. Under his leadership, the Chargers won five AFC West division titles. They also had eight seasons in a row without a losing record. Their first losing season under Smith was in 2012. After that season, the Chargers decided to make changes. Smith and the head coach, Norv Turner, were no longer with the team.

Smith was known for his strong approach to player contracts. He also took some big risks that sometimes paid off. Because of this, fans and media had different opinions about him. Some praised his decisions, while others criticized them.

The Rivers-Manning Trade

One of Smith's most famous decisions happened in April 2004. The Chargers had the first pick in the NFL Draft. Eli Manning, a talented quarterback from the University of Mississippi, said he would not play for the Chargers if they drafted him. Smith decided to draft Manning anyway.

Less than an hour later, Smith made a big trade with the New York Giants. He sent Eli Manning to the Giants. In return, the Chargers received Philip Rivers, another quarterback who was drafted fourth overall. They also got a third-round pick in 2004 and two more picks in 2005. The Chargers used these picks to get important players like kicker Nate Kaeding and defensive star Shawne Merriman. Merriman later won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. Eli Manning went on to win two Super Bowl MVP awards with the Giants. This trade showed Smith's bold style.

Working with the Washington Redskins

On March 6, 2013, Smith joined the Washington Redskins. He worked as a consultant and senior executive. He was friends with the Redskins' general manager, Bruce Allen. Smith announced his retirement on February 28, 2015.

Personal Life

A. J. Smith married Susan Smith in 1977. They lived in Del Mar, California. They had two children: a son named Kyle and a daughter named Andrea. Kyle followed in his father's footsteps and is also an NFL executive. Andrea works in entertainment.

Smith received the Kentucky Wesleyan College Alumni Achievement Award in 2010. He was also inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013. A. J. Smith passed away on May 12, 2024, at the age of 75.

See Also

• List of National Football League general managers