Neil Smith (American football) facts for kids
 |
|||||||||
| No. 90, 91 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position: | Defensive end | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born: | April 10, 1966 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
||||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 270 lb (122 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school: | McDonogh 35 (New Orleans) | ||||||||
| College: | Nebraska | ||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1988 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2 | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
|
|||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||
|
|||||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
|
|||||||||
| Player stats at PFR | |||||||||
Neil Smith (born April 10, 1966) is a former professional football player. He was a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). Neil played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and San Diego Chargers. Before joining the NFL, he played college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He was even named an All-American in 1987.
Early Life and College Football
Neil Smith was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He went to McDonogh No. 35 Senior High School in his hometown. After high school, he played college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He was a standout player there, earning the title of All-American in 1987.
Joining the NFL
The NFL has a special event called the NFL draft. This is where teams pick new college players. In the 1988 NFL draft, the Kansas City Chiefs really wanted Neil Smith. They had the third pick, but another team, the Detroit Lions, who had the second pick, also showed interest in him.
To make sure they got Neil, the Chiefs traded with the Lions. This allowed the Chiefs to move up one spot and pick Neil Smith. He was a very impressive player even before he started playing professionally. He was 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 257 pounds. He was also very fast, running a 40-yard dash in just 4.55 seconds!
Neil played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1988 to 1996. Then he moved to the Denver Broncos from 1997 to 1999. His last team was the San Diego Chargers in 2000.
Neil Smith's Amazing Career
Neil Smith was one of the best defensive linemen of his time. He was chosen for the Pro Bowl six times during his career. The Pro Bowl is an all-star game for the best players in the NFL.
In 1993, Neil led the entire NFL in sacks with 15. A sack happens when a defensive player tackles the opposing team's quarterback behind the line of scrimmage.
While playing for the Denver Broncos, Neil won two Super Bowl championships. He earned two NFL championship rings for Super Bowl XXXII and Super Bowl XXXIII. Winning a Super Bowl is one of the biggest achievements in football.
During the 1998 playoffs, Neil helped the Broncos win big against the Miami Dolphins. He picked up a fumble and ran 79 yards for a touchdown! In Super Bowl XXXII, he also recovered a fumble. This play helped the Broncos score a field goal.
Over his 13 seasons in the NFL, Neil Smith had some impressive stats:
- He made 104.5 sacks.
- He forced 30 fumbles from opposing players.
- He recovered 12 fumbles.
- He also intercepted 4 passes.
After his playing career, Neil Smith was honored for his achievements. On October 22, 2006, he was inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame. This means his legacy as a great player for the Chiefs will always be remembered.
