Justin Smith (linebacker) facts for kids
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Smith on January 25, 2003
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| No. 59, 53 | |
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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 played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). The NFL is the top professional football league in the United States. Justin played for teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and St. Louis Rams. He also played college football at Indiana University Bloomington. He went to Warren Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Playing in College
Justin Smith played football for the Indiana Hoosiers from 1998 to 2001. He was a very good player for his college team. He was recognized as one of the best players in the Big Ten Conference in 2000 and 2001. He also earned academic honors every year he played. This showed he was a great student as well as an athlete.
Playing in the NFL
Justin Smith started his professional football journey in 2002. He joined several teams during his career.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Justin first signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002. He was not chosen in the main draft, but the Buccaneers signed him. He spent time on their practice squad, which is like a training team. He was later moved to the main team.
In 2003, Justin won a Super Bowl ring with the Buccaneers. They beat the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII. This was a huge achievement for him and the team. He played in two games for the Buccaneers during the 2003 season.
St. Louis Rams
After leaving the Buccaneers, Justin joined the St. Louis Rams in December 2003. He played in three games for the Rams that year. He was with the Rams for a short time before moving on.
Other Teams
Justin also spent time with other NFL teams. He signed with the Arizona Cardinals in 2004. Later, in 2005, he joined the Carolina Panthers. During his time with the Panthers, he was sent to play for the Amsterdam Admirals in NFL Europe. NFL Europe was a league that helped players develop their skills.
In 2006, Justin signed with the Chicago Bears. He also played for the Hamburg Sea Devils in NFL Europe that year. Justin's career saw him play for several different teams. He showed great dedication to the sport.
