Charles Aaron “Bubba” Smith, the former college and professional footballer who transitioned into successful acting, was found dead at his Los Angeles home on August 3, 2011 at age 66. According to Ed Winter, Assistant Chief of Operations and Investigation for Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, an autopsy would be conducted as soon as possible to ascertain its cause; though no immediate sign was given suggesting any form of misconduct; many believed he may have died of natural causes.
Legendary 6’8″ Pass Rusher Bubba Smith’s NFL Legacy
Standing 6 feet 8 inches and weighing 260 pounds, Smith was widely recognized as one of the greatest pass rushers of his time. Selected as the No. 1 overall selection in the 1967 NFL Draft, he spent nine seasons in the league playing with Baltimore Colts, Oakland Raiders, and Houston Oilers while earning two Pro Bowl selections and two Super Bowl invitations based on his athleticism and tenacity on the field.
Bubba Smith’s Super Bowl Heartbreak
Smith is best remembered for the Baltimore Colts’ participation in Super Bowl III, in which they suffered an unforgettable upset against Joe Namath and the New York Jets led by Joe Namath himself. Although this loss left an indelible mark on Smith, his legacy would eventually be enhanced two years later when the Colts went on to defeat Dallas Cowboys 16-13 in Super Bowl V; though after this victory he became so frustrated by its disorganized play that he never even bothered wearing his Super Bowl ring!
Transition from NFL Star to Hollywood Actor
Smith suffered a devastating knee injury during an exhibition game in 1972 that signaled the end of his football career, forcing him into retirement in 1975 after struggling to find identity and purpose while sidelined. Smith made the leap into acting and soon found roles on popular TV series like Good Times, Charlie’s Angels, and Semi-Tough before becoming widely recognized for playing Lt. Moses Hightower in the 1984 comedy “Police Academy.”
Reprising this iconic role throughout its six sequels endeared himself to audiences through his towering presence and comedic timing endeared himself to audiences as audiences found him endearing themselves to him through its charming presence and comedic timing.
Smith’s College Glory and Hall of Fame Honor
Before his football and acting careers began, Smith excelled as an athlete at Michigan State University where he was recognized with two All-America defensive end honors and featured prominently in the legendary 1966 “Game of the Century”, in which Michigan State and Notre Dame tied 10-10 en route to sharing the national title. For his achievements collegiately he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame – an accolade he described as being “the jewel in my crown,” reflecting its great significance during his time spent there.
Early Education
Smith was born February 28 1945 in Beaumont, Texas to parents who valued education and sports equally. His father served as high school football coach while his mother held two college degrees; during many of his talks to youth groups on the importance of family and education he often brought them along as examples to share.
Smith’s CTE Diagnosis Raises Football Concerns
Years following Smith’s death, it became evident that he had Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition caused by repeated head trauma. Boston University researchers identified him as being among 90 former NFL players diagnosed with CTE; Stage 3 CTE symptoms for him included cognitive impairment, memory loss and difficulty with judgement/planning; this finding raised serious concerns regarding concussions/head injuries sustained through contact sports like football.
Bubba Smith was an incredible life exemplar, moving effortlessly between football and filmmaking with grace that belied his diminutive stature. He remains beloved figure both within sports and entertainment – both for his athletic prowess as well as contributions he made to popular culture.
