His legacy is the inspiration behind the documentary, Through the Banks of the Red Cedar, written and directed by MSU teammate Gene Washington's daughter, Maya Washington. He was 66. For nine seasons (1967 to 1971, 1973 to 1976), he played at the defensive-end and defensive-tackle positions in the National Football League with the Baltimore Colts, Oakland Raiders and Houston Oilers. August 3, 2011, 7:40 PM. Star and Actor, Had C.T.E. Phentermine, a weight-loss drug, was found in his system. Watch Episodes Without Signing In. [10] He finished his career with the Houston Oilers. Here is Bubba Smith S.’s obituary. Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith (February 28, 1945 – August 3, 2011) was an American professional football player, who starred as a defensive end in both college and the NFL before becoming an actor following his retirement from the sport. Doctors performed a battery of tests and determined he had been suffering from sleep apnea. He died from acute drug intoxication and heart disease. "As both a football player and later as an actor, 'Bubba' was a great ambassador for the University. Smith spent nine seasons in the NFL as a defensive end and played in the Super Bowl twice in his first five seasons. What Russell Wilson's frustrations could mean for him, Seattle Seahawks moving forward, How a six-year deal could be a compromise for Cowboys, Dak Prescott, Bills Mafia is ready to break (a lot more) tables in 2021. LOS ANGELES (AP) - Former NFL star Bubba Smith, who went from feared defensive end on the field to endearing giant in his successful second career as an actor, died Wednesday. [13][14][15], On May 24, 2016, it was announced that Smith had suffered from the brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative illness afflicting unknown numbers of former athletes in contact sports. He was 66. S 1 E 1 Texas Sold 'Em. According to the Concussion Legacy Foundation, on a scale of 1 to 4 used by the neuropathologist who examined Smith's brain, Smith had Stage 3 CTE, with symptoms including cognitive impairment and problems with judgment and planning. He was a humble man. He was the Colts' starting left defensive end for five seasons, playing in Super Bowls III and V. He was named to two Pro Bowls and was a First-Team All-Pro in 1971. Hanratty was replaced for the remainder of the game by Coley O'Brien. Bubba Smith's Death: Fans React. Smith was the No. He is perhaps best known for his role as Moses Hightower in the Police Academy movie series, a role he reprised in all but one of the Police Academy sequels. He was traded from the Colts to the Oakland Raiders for Raymond Chester on July 16, 1973. Bubba -- who was a towering 6'7" -- passed away on August 3rd. That's when 16 teams changed QB starters, Carson Wentz out of Philly: What went wrong, and what's next. S 1 E 2 Bounty Hunter Bubba Fett. Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith (February 28, 1945 – August 3, 2011) was an American professional football player, who starred as a defensive end in both college and the NFL before becoming an actor following his retirement from the sport. Bubba Smith, who has been found dead aged 66, was one of American college football's most legendary defenders, a figure who inspired awe on the gridiron. [12], Smith was found dead in his Los Angeles home by his caretaker on August 3, 2011. The athletically gifted 6' 7" Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith played defensive end / defensive tackle for the National Football League's Baltimore Colts (1967-1971), Oakland Raiders (1973-1974), and Houston Oilers (1975-1976). [5] Smith's younger brother Tody Smith played collegiately for the University of Southern California, and professionally for the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Oilers and Buffalo Bills. According to an article from latimes.com, the official cause of death was acute drug intoxication and other conditions. LOS ANGELES -- Former NFL star Bubba Smith, who went from feared defensive end on the field to endearing giant in his successful second career as an actor, died Wednesday. Los Angeles County coroner's spokesman Ed Winter said Smith was found dead at his Baldwin Hills home. As an actor his most memorable role was playing Moses Hightower, the soft-spoken officer in the "Police Academy" series. "[8] Michigan State finished second behind Notre Dame in the final voting for the national championship. As of 2020[update], Smith is the only Michigan State player to be taken first overall. The findings were confirmed by researchers affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Boston University and the Concussion Legacy Foundation, and released with the permission of the executor of Smith's estate. Don't Miss the Latest A&E Premieres! He also played as the chauffeur for Ned Beatty character, Clyde Torkle,in the movie Stroker Ace starring Burt Reynolds. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988. 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. Smith, who admitted that Hanratty's injury actually backfired on the Spartans, stated, "That didn't help us any. His heart weighed more than twice that of an average similar male. [11] Among other television series Smith appeared in were Good Times, The Odd Couple, Taxi, Hart to Hart, MacGyver, Married... with Children and Family Matters. This video details the death of actor/football player Bubba Smith! Celebrate the life of Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith. There was an autopsy done on Smith, and the article stated that Smith had the weight-loss drug phentermine in his system. ", His final game at Michigan State was a 10–10 tie with Notre Dame at Spartan Stadium on November 19, 1966. Bubba Smith: Pos: DE-DT, Career: 111 G, All-Pro(1st), 2xProBowl, Colts/Raiders/.. 1967-1976, born TX 1945, died 2011 Police spokesman Richard French added the death does not appear to be suspicious. He was 66 years old. In 1983, Smith published the autobiography entitled Kill, Bubba, Kill, in which he stated he felt it was possible Super Bowl III had been rigged to enable the Jets to win in order to ensure the AFL–NFL merger proceeded smoothly. Bubba Smith, Actor: Police Academy. ", "Former NFL player Bubba Smith had brain disease CTE when he died", "Concussion group says Bubba Smith had CTE", "NFL great Bubba Smith, who played Hightower in 'Police Academy' movies, had stage 3 CTE", National Football League Draft first overall picks, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bubba_Smith&oldid=1007652478, African-American players of American football, American football players with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, National Football League first overall draft picks, Baltimore Bullets (1963–1973) draft picks, Short description is different from Wikidata, NFL player missing current team parameter, Infobox NFL biography articles missing alt text, Articles needing additional references from September 2011, All articles needing additional references, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2020, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Wikipedia articles with PLWABN identifiers, Wikipedia articles with SNAC-ID identifiers, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Season 4 episode 5: "Money Out the Window", Career statistics and player information from, This page was last edited on 19 February 2021, at 06:21. His GF rushed him to the hospital in Newport Beach, CA, where he suffered a hemorrhagic stoke. Smith was part of two of the most famous football games ever played. This game also celebrated the 40th anniversary of the "Game of the Century.". "I will shed some tears tonight because I've lost a great friend," Viney said. The top overall pick in the 1967 draft after a sensational career at Michigan State, the 6-foot-7 Smith spent five seasons with the Baltimore Colts and two seasons each with Oakland and Houston. Smith starred in the short-lived television series Blue Thunder, partnering with Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive star Dick Butkus, with whom he frequently costarred in advertisements for Miller Lite beer. [2], During his acting career, Smith specialized in comedic roles in film, television, and television advertising. He was a great teammate and a great leader. Los Angele Coroner Report Rules Bubba Smith Death by Phentramine Overdose. The obituary was featured in The Republican on July 15, 2009. [16][17][18][19], Smith is the 90th former NFL player found to have had CTE by the researchers at the Boston University brain bank; they have examined 94 former pro players. Smith was the longtime spokesman of Baltimore-area law firm Cohen, Snyder, Eisenberg & Katzenberg. Bubba Smith was a Pisces and was born in the Baby Boomers Generation. Born Charles Aaron Smith, he played in high school for his father, Willie Ray Smith, in Beaumont, Texas, before heading to Michigan State, where he was an All-American in 1966. The official cause of death for the former professional football and actor was announced Wednesday. Born June 2, 1970 in Kingston, he is the son of Fred Smith and Gail Colvin Dunham. He was a great guy. He's been in the auction industry since 1991 and has learned everything he knows about the trade from Ricky. His ability spoke for itself. It was Smith's only Super Bowl ring. He didn't grow up around the auction industry, but decided to pursue the lifestyle after spending a few unsatisfying years behind a desk. In 2011, Smith was found dead in his LA home by his caretaker. He was a helluva player.". He was born in Hazard, Kentucky to his mother, Alice Mae Elkins Smith Flynn and his late father, Marvin Smith. "The Game of the Century"; #1 Notre Dame 10, #2 Michigan State 10; November 19, 1966. Bubba Smith S. Obituary. "I'm saddened by it. "He never sought the spotlight. Texas was then a member of the Southwest Conference (SWC), which began to integrate in 1967. Mary Padian. See All. Bubba Smith Death Was Caused by Concussion-Based Brain Disease Researchers Say - YouTube. Bubba Smith Obituary LOS ANGELES (AP) - Former NFL star Bubba Smith, who went from feared defensive end on the field to endearing giant in his successful second … By Lara Salahi November 2, 2011. 95 jersey was retired in 2006. Even with additional cap room, Dallas Cowboys face a space crunch, Expect Buffalo Bills' tight end room to feature new faces in 2021, Wentz to Philly: Farewell after 'amazing journey', Eagles release Jackson after injury-filled seasons, Panthers release 3, increase cap space to $28.5M, Ex-TE Winslow II agrees to new prison sentence, Report: Jackson may have died days before found, Could the 2021 NFL offseason match 1999's? "Colts Trade Smith to Raiders for Chester,", "Athletes Advertising Images: Bullies to 'Beefcake, https://www.nytimes.com/1983/09/29/sports/super-bowl-fix-hinted.html, "Bubba Smith, NFL star and 'Police Academy' actor, found dead at home", "Bubba Smith Dead — 'Police Academy' Star Dies at 66", "Bubba Smith dies of drug intoxication, coroner says", "Bubba Smith, N.F.L. With Carson Wentz gone, will Eagles hand the keys to Jalen Hurts? I remember my first training camp in 1972 in Golden, Colo. It is always difficult saying goodbye to someone we love and cherish. 'Police Academy' becomes a Twitter trending topic after the actor's death is announced. Bubba Smith. Led by Joe Namath, the Jets of the AFL upset the NFL champion Colts 16-7 in Miami. His best work, though, came in college, and Smith was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988. [7], In 1988, Smith was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. He will be missed.". At Michigan State he played on some of the school's greatest teams under coach Duffy Daugherty and was one of its best players. 95 retired by Michigan State Spartans, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Former Two-Time All-American Bubba Smith Passes Away At Age 66", "Local football legend Bubba Smith dies at 66", "Bubba Smith obituary: NFL player turned beer pitchman dies at 66", "Justice: Bubba Smith made his mark in unique way". Please accept Echovita’s sincere condolences. Robert "Bubba" Smith Robert “Bubba” Wesley Smith, 54 years age, of Salem, Alabama, formerly of Burlington, Kentucky, entered into rest on Monday, February 24, 2020. Life after Gronk hasn't been kind to Patriots; can they change that in 2021? He was a popular athlete at Michigan State, earning the arresting fan chant of "Kill, Bubba, Kill. "He was simply a good guy," former Michigan State teammate Robert Viney said in a statement released through the university. He was 66. 1 overall pick in the 1967 NFL draft, taken by the Baltimore Colts with a selection originally held by the expansion New Orleans Saints, which had been traded for quarterback Gary Cuozzo. Michigan State retired his number 95 jersey on September 23, 2006, prior to the Spartans' home game against Notre Dame, amid repeated cheers of his old slogan from the student section. Bubba Smith, (Scott S. Smith), 50, of West Camp died Friday December 25, 2020 at Albany Medical Center in Albany. "'Bubba' Smith was a great Spartan," Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis said in a statement. He had a major role in a 10–10 tie with Notre Dame in 1966 that was billed as "The Game of the Century." LOS ANGELES -- Former NFL star Bubba Smith, who went from feared defensive end on the field to endearing giant in his successful second career as an actor, died … ABC News' David Muir reports the stores people have been buzzing about. [16][19], Bubba Smith—awards, championships, and honors, 1965 Michigan State Spartans football—FWAA & UPI national champions, 1966 Michigan State Spartans football—NFF national co-champions, Indianapolis Colts first-round draft picks, No. I spent a lot of time with him there. Bubba Smith, an outsize presence in the National Football League who went on to a prolific career in television and the movies, was found dead on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles. Smith was posthumously diagnosed with CTE, a neurological condition generally related to concussion and sub-concussive head trauma. S 1 E 3 Snake, Rattle, and Roll. He was 66. Read his obituary, share your memories and condolences, get key updates, and see any funeral details on Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith's personal online memorial on Ever Loved. The situation at UT motivated Smith to become a much better player[5] at Michigan State University, where he was an All-American in both 1965 and 1966. Read full article. "His size made him an intimidating figure, but he was a real gentleman. 2011 Michigan State University Football Media Guide. In 1965 and '66, Smith helped Michigan State go 19-1-1 and win consecutive Big Ten titles. Died: August 3, 2011 in Baldwin Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA (complications from phentermine overdose) Birth Name: Charles Aaron Smith: Height: 6' 7" (2.01 m) After retiring from professional football, Smith began acting in small movie and television roles in the late 1970s and early 1980s. [7] Early in the first quarter, Smith tackled Notre Dame starting quarterback Terry Hanratty, who suffered a separated left shoulder. [6] With both teams undefeated, untied and ranked atop the national polls going in (The Fighting Irish were ranked #1 at 8–0–0, the Spartans #2 at 9–0–0), the match-up was hyped as the college "Game of the Century". He was selected All-Pro one year, All-Conference two years, and went to two Pro Bowls. For about a decade following his retirement from football, he appeared in various commercials for Miller Lite. In 1969, Smith played for the Colts against the New York Jets in the Super Bowl. Even though Longhorns head coach Darrell Royal regarded him as worthy of an athletic scholarship, Royal was unwilling to offer one in the face of racial segregation which prevailed throughout the Southern United States at the time. "Bubba was definitely a game changer as a defensive end," former Michigan State teammate Gene Washington said. Bubba never had to say much because he led by example.". The university's football program lagged behind, before acquiescing in 1970. LOS ANGELES (AP) - Former NFL star Bubba Smith, who went from feared defensive end on the field to endearing giant in his successful second career as an actor, died Wednesday. He was 66. Smith was born on February 28, 1945, in Orange, Texas, to Willie Ray Smith Sr. and Georgia Oreatha Curl Smith, and raised in nearby Beaumont. He played for his father at Charlton-Pollard High School in Beaumont, Texas. This is your place to remember Charles Aaron "Bubba". [1], The first selection of the 1967 NFL Draft, Smith played nine years in the National Football League (NFL) with the Baltimore Colts (1967–1971), Oakland Raiders (1973–1974), and Houston Oilers (1975–1976). "You simply didn't see guys with his size and quickness coming off the defensive line. Smith's Michigan State teammate, running back Clint Jones, followed him as the second pick. Former Colts DE turned actor Bubba Smith dies. He is one of only six players to have his jersey number retired by the program. He is preceded in death by his brother, Mark Smith. Bubba had the opportunity to play for his father at Charlton-Pollard High School in Beaumont. It just let them put in that O'Brien who's slippery and faster and gave us more trouble. The heavily-favored Colts lost Super Bowl III to the New York Jets and won Super Bowl V two years later following the 1970 season. Smith originally had hopes of playing college football at the University of Texas. As news of Bubba Smith's death spread, those who knew the football legend turned actor and beer commercial star recalled him as a "good guy" and … Ricky Smith's nephew, Bubba is every bit the Texas gentleman of his uncle. [2] He developed into one of the state's best-ever high school football players. He won the 1971 Super Bowl with the Colts. He died from natural causes. However, in interviews, Smith stated that he would never wear the ring, out of a sense of disappointment that he and his teammates were unable to win Super Bowl III. Moe Prigoff. Smith was the No. Bubba Smith, the former NFL star and "Police Academy" movie actor, appears to have died of natural causes, but authorities said an autopsy will be conducted to … His father, Willie Ray Smith, Sr., was a football coach who earned 235 victories at three high schools in the Beaumont area. Professional Football Player, Actor. The other guy just sits there and waits, and that's what we wanted. His best-known role was as Moses Hightower in the first six Police Academy movies.[4]. Walt Cade. Michigan State finished second behind the top-ranked Fighting Irish that season. Sign up now to get email updates on new episodes, sweeps alerts, and more from your favorite A&E shows. Self-employed, Bubba was a pest control specialist and a property manager. After football, he became an actor, playing the role of Moses Hightower in the first six Police Academy movies. He was a giant, the biggest player on the field," Colts owner Jim Irsay said. Jonathan Smith passed away in Springfield, Massachusetts. Winter said he didn't know the circumstances or cause of death. Obituary for Robert "Bubba" Smith Robert “Bubba” Wesley Smith, 54 years age, of Salem, Alabama, formerly of Burlington, Kentucky, entered into rest on Monday, February 24, 2020. Smith first came into prominence at Michigan State University, where he twice earned All-American honors on the Spartans football team. At the time of Smith's death on Aug. 3, it was believed (see initial report from the Los Angeles Times) that he had died of natural causes. He is preceded in death by his brother, Mark Smith. In 1966, he was at Michigan State when the Spartans and Notre Dame, both undefeated, played to a 10-10 tie. According to the Coroner, other conditions that may have contributed to Bubba's death include heart disease and hypertension. After the conclusion of his football career, Smith moved into a TV & film career, with initial guest appearances on prime … Bubba Smith was born in Orange. [9] He was injured in the 1972 preseason when he ran into a solid steel pole the NFL was using at the time to mark yardage and missed the season. He is the step-son of Anna Smith and Joseph Dunham. Fans in East Lansing, Mich., would chant, "Kill, Bubba, Kill" during games and his No. [2] He had tremendous quickness despite being 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters) tall and weighing 265 pounds, (120.20 kilograms),[3] a combination which usually earned him a double-team. He was born in Hazard, Kentucky to his mother, Alice Mae Elkins Smith Flynn and his late father, Marvin Smith.

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