Johnny Ray Smith
American football player (born 1957)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Johnny Ray Smith (born September 7, 1957) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive back in the National Football League (NFL) for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the San Diego Chargers. He played college football for the Lamar Cardinals.
Crockett, Texas, U.S.
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| Position | Defensive back | ||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||
| Born | September 7, 1957 Crockett, Texas, U.S. | ||||||||||
| Listed height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | ||||||||||
| Listed weight | 183 lb (83 kg) | ||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||
| High school | Cleveland (Cleveland, Texas) | ||||||||||
| College | Lamar (1977–1980) | ||||||||||
| NFL draft | 1981: 11th round, 283rd overall pick | ||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||
| Awards and highlights | |||||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||
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College career
Smith played college football for the Lamar Cardinals from 1977 to 1980.[1][2] On the defensive side of the ball he had 12 interceptions, returning two of them for touchdowns.[3] Smith led the Southland Conference with six interceptions in 1979.[3] He was the team's return man from his sophomore year on, totaling 420 punt return yards and two punt return touchdowns and 1,147 kick return yards and one kickoff return touchdown.[3] Smith was a all conference selection twice in his career, second-team in 1977, and first-team in 1980.[4]
Smith was also a member of the track and field team at Lamar, where he earned first-team All-SLC honors in the 100 meters.[4]
Professional career
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Smith was selected in the 11th round with the 283rd overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1981 NFL draft.[5] He was placed on injured reserve on August 31, 1981, and missed his entire rookie season.[6]
In 1982, he made his NFL debut in week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, Returning a kickoff for 24 yards.[7] Smith finished his first year with three fumble recoveries and 47 kickoff return yards, in nine games, including his first start against the New York Jets.[8]
The following year, Smith played in all 16 games, starting in one, recording another three fumble recoveries and 136 kickoff return yards.[9]
On August 21, 1984, Smith was placed on injured reserve.[10] He was released on November 1, 1984.[11]
San Diego Chargers
On November 2, 1984, Smith was claimed off waivers by the San Diego Chargers.[12] He played one game against the Indianapolis Colts, before being placed on the injured reserve list on November 9, 1984.[13][1] Smith was released by the team on July 21, 1985.[1]