Justin Smith (linebacker) facts for kids
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Smith on January 25, 2003
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| Position: | Linebacker |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | June 5, 1979 Lafayette, Indiana, U.S. |
| Height: | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight: | 218 lb (99 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Warren Central (Indianapolis, Indiana) |
| College: | Indiana |
| Undrafted: | 2002 |
| Career history | |
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| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Player stats at PFR | |
Justin Curtis Smith, born on June 5, 1979, is a former American football player. He was a linebacker, which is a key defensive position in football. Justin played for teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and St. Louis Rams in the National Football League (NFL). He also played college football at Indiana University Bloomington and went to Warren Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Justin was also part of other teams during his career. These included the Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, Amsterdam Admirals, Chicago Bears, and Hamburg Sea Devils.
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College Football Career
Playing for the Indiana Hoosiers
Justin Smith played college football for the Indiana Hoosiers. He was on the team from 1998 to 2001. During his time there, he showed great skill and dedication.
He earned special honors for his performance. In both 2000 and 2001, he was named to the All-Big Ten Conference team. This means he was recognized as one of the best players in his college league.
Justin also excelled in his studies. He received Academic All-Big Ten honors every year he played, from 1998 to 2001. This shows he was a strong student as well as a talented athlete. He was even on the watch list for the Butkus Award in 2000 and 2001. This award goes to the best linebacker in college football.
Professional Football Career
Playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Justin Smith started his professional career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He signed with them on April 22, 2002. This happened after the 2002 NFL draft, where he was not chosen by any team.
He joined the team's practice squad on September 4, 2002. A practice squad is a group of players who train with the team but are not on the main roster. They can be called up to play if needed.
On January 11, 2003, Justin was moved to the Buccaneers' main team. He was part of the team when they won Super Bowl XXXVII on January 26, 2003. They beat the Oakland Raiders in this championship game. Winning the Super Bowl earned Justin a special Super Bowl ring.
He played in two games for the Buccaneers during the 2003 season. He was released and re-signed to the practice squad a few times that year.
Time with the St. Louis Rams
Justin Smith joined the St. Louis Rams on December 11, 2003. He was signed from the Buccaneers' practice squad. He played in three games for the Rams during the 2003 season. He was released by the Rams on August 24, 2004.
Short Stays with Other Teams
After the Rams, Justin had brief periods with other NFL teams. He signed with the Arizona Cardinals on August 27, 2004. However, he was released just two days later.
In 2005, he signed with the Carolina Panthers on January 12. He was sent to NFL Europe to play for the Amsterdam Admirals. NFL Europe was a league where players could develop their skills. Justin was placed on injured reserve on September 3, 2005. This meant he missed the entire 2005 season due to injury. He was released by the Panthers on October 14, 2005.
His final stop was with the Chicago Bears. He signed with them on January 10, 2006. He was also drafted by the Hamburg Sea Devils in NFL Europe. He was released by the Bears on May 30, 2006.
