Doug Smith (defensive lineman)

Arthur Douglas Smith (June 13, 1960 – July 25, 2024) was an American professional football player who was a nose tackle in the United States Football League (USFL) and National Football League (NFL).

Born and raised in Bayboro, North Carolina, Smith played scholastically at Pamlico High School. He played college football for the Auburn Tigers, and, as a senior, was honored by the both Football News and the Newspaper Enterprise Association (NEA) as a second-team All-American.

Smith was selected by the Houston Oilers in the second round (29th overall pick) of the 1984 NFL draft, but chose to sign with the Birmingham Stallions of the United States Football League (USFL) after he could not come to a contract agreement with the Oilers. Smith signed after the USFL season, which ran from February - July, so did not play at all in 1984. He started in 17 games for the Stallions in 1985, recording five sacks and one fumble recovery. When the USFL ceased operations following the 1985 season, Smith joined the Oilers. He spent eight seasons with the Oilers, appearing in 100 games, logging 14 career sacks and 5 fumble recoveries.

During his time with the Oilers, Smith was famous for having timely injuries to provide much needed rest for the defense then return to action two plays later. Many fans considered him a cagey veteran.

Smith died in Rosharon, Texas, on July 25, 2024, at the age of 64.

External links

• NFL.com player page
• Template:Sports links