Smith, Jackie L.
Football
b. Feb. 23, 1940, Columbia, MS
The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Smith joined the NFL's St. Louis Cardinals in 1962 as a tenth-round draft choice out of Northwestern Louisiana State College. He became the team's starting tight end in 1964.
An excellent blocker and receiver, Smith was also the St. Louis punter for three seasons, from 1964 through 1966. He was named the All-Eastern Conference tight end by The Sporting News in 1966 and 1968.
Smith started 121 consecutive games from his rookie year until 1971, when he suffered a knee injury. He had his finest season in 1967, when he caught 56 passes for 1,205 yards and 9 touchdowns.
He spent the 1968 season with the Dallas Cowboys before retiring. At the time, Smith was the all-time leading pass receiver among tight ends with 480 receptions for 7,918 yards and 40 touchdowns. He also rushed for 327 yards and 3 touchdowns on 38 carries and averaged 39.1 yards on 86 punts.
