Chuck Smith (American football)

35
Chuck Smith (American football) bigraphy, stories - American football player

Chuck Smith (American football) : biography

December 21, 1969 –

Charles Henry Smith, III (born December 21, 1969 in Athens, Georgia) is the former Defensive Line Coach at Tennessee and a former American football defensive end in the NFL.

Early career

Smith attended Clarke Central High School in Athens, Georgia, 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 Fiesta Bowl and earned Most Valuable Player honors at the Senior Bowl.

Life After Football

Smith worked as a radio host with V 103 in Atlanta. Smith also works as a personal trainer for other football players. He weighs less than he did during his football career and has spoken out about the health risks associated with the increasing size of football players. CNN.com, February 1, 2009

On February 5, 2010, Chuck Smith accepted a position as Defensive Line coach at his alma mater, the University of Tennessee.

Smith left the Vols coaching staff after a mutual decision between himself and head coach Derek Dooley on February 6, 2011.

Professional 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 due to multiple surgeries on his right knee.