Former NFL defensive star and Michigan State standout Bubba Smith passed away Wednesday in Los Angeles at the age of 66.
According to the Associated Press, Los Angeles County coroner’s spokesman Ed Winter said Smith was found dead at his Baldwin Hills home. Winter said he didn’t know the circumstances or cause of death. Police spokesman Richard French also added that Smith’s death doesn’t appear to be suspicious.
Bubba Smith was taken 1st overall in the 1967 NFL Draft after having a very stellar career at Michigan State. Smith spent five seasons with the Baltimore Colts and two seasons each with Oakland and Houston. He won the 1971 Super Bowl with the Colts.
Smith was certainly one of the most feared tackles in his day often times double teams yet remaining very effective. He was able to make two Pro Bowls teams, one All-Pro team and was enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988.
Smith is also well-known for his acting career after football. One of his most memorable rolls may have been playing Moses Hightower in the “Police Academy” movies. He also appeared in such television series as “Good Times,” ”Charlie’s Angels,” and “Half Nelson,” and was a regular in the ground-breaking Miller Lite commercials featuring retired players.
Our thoughts go out to Smith’s friends and family.
Source: Associated Press
