Chuck Smith (defensive end)
Charles Henry Smith, III (born December 21, 1969) is a former American football player and coach. He played college football at the University of Tennessee and professionally in the National Football League (NFL) with the Atlanta Falcons from 1992 to 1999 and the Carolina Panthers in 2000. Smith spent the 2010 season as an assistant coach as his alma mater, Tennessee. He also has worked as a radio host in Atlanta.
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| Position: | Defensive end | ||||||||
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| Born: | December 21, 1969 Athens, Georgia | ||||||||
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| High school: | Athens (GA) Clarke Central | ||||||||
| College: | Tennessee | ||||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1992 / Round: 2 / Pick: 51 | ||||||||
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High school and college years
Smith attended Clarke Central High School in Athens, Georgia,[1] While playing two years in the NJCAA at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, scouts took notice of Smith's natural athletic ability, which earned him a full scholarship to the University of Tennessee. While at Tennessee, Smith played in both the Sugar and the Fiesta Bowl and earned Most Valuable Player honors at the Senior Bowl.
Professional playing career
Smith was selected in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. For eight seasons in Atlanta, from 1992 to 1999, Smith established himself as an All-Pro defensive end and led the Falcons to Super Bowl XXXIII. In 2000, Smith left Atlanta to join the Carolina Panthers. He ended his career there after one season following multiple surgeries on his right knee.
Life after playing career
Smith worked as a radio host with WVEE (V-103) in Atlanta. Smith also works as a personal trainer for other football players. He has two sons, Chuck the 4th, and Maddox. Also one daughter, Giovani. He weighs 50 pounds (23 kg) less than he did during his football career and has spoken out about the health risks associated with the increasing size of football players.[2]
On February 5, 2010, Smith accepted a position as defensive line coach at his alma mater, the University of Tennessee. Smith left the Tennessee Volunteers coaching staff after a mutual decision with head coach Derek Dooley on February 6, 2011.
References
- Cobbs, Matt (October 14, 2005). "A team of destiny". Athens Banner-Herald. Retrieved November 27, 2007.
- Beefy Football Linemen Fight Fat CNN.com, February 1, 2009