Who is Bruce Smith? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Bruce Bernard Smith

Age: 61 Years, 61 Year Old Males

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Carmen Smith (m. 1990)

father: George Smith

mother: Annie Smith

children: Alston Smith

Born Country: United States

African American Men American Football Players

Height: 6'4" (193 cm), 6'4" Males

U.S. State: Virginia

Grouping of People: Black American Football Players

Notable Alumni: Booker T. Washington High School

City: Norfolk, Virginia

More Facts

education: Virginia Tech, Booker T. Washington High School

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School & College Career

After playing football at Booker T. Washington High School, Bruce Smith joined Virginia Tech on an athletic scholarship. After 46 career sacks, he finished his college career in 1984 after earning a place in the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame.

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Professional Career

In 1985, Bruce Smith was picked by the Buffalo Bills for their NFL Draft. After a rookie season, he became a sack specialist, amassing 15 sacks in 1986 and then 19 in 1990. In 1990, he also helped the Bills reach Super Bowl XXV although they lost to the New York Giants. In 1991, his team again reached the Super Bowl although he was forced to stay out for most of the season due to knee problems. In 1997, he amassed 65 tackles and 14 sacks.

Following his release by the Buffalo Bills in 1999, Smith joined the Washington Redskins. He initially played as a free agent amassing 58 tackles and ten sacks. During the 2003 NFL season, he passed Reggie White's sacks record of 198 in a 20–7 win over the New York Giants at Giants Stadium. He finished his career amassing 200 career sacks and became the only player ever to reach the milestone. In February 2004, Smith was released by the Redskins, saving the team $6.5 million in salary cap space.

Career Accomplishments & Honors

From 1987 to 1998, Bruce Smith was elected to the Pro Bowl every season except in 1991. 1987, he earned the title of Pro Bowl MVP. In 1990 and 1993, he was named the NEA Defensive Player of the Year. Also, in 1990 and 1996, he earned the title of AP's NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The former footballer is also a 4-time UPI's AFC Defensive Player of the Year (1987, 1988, 1990, and 1996).

Family & Personal Life

Bruce Smith was born on June 18, 1963, in Norfolk, Virginia. He studied at Booker T. Washington High School and later attended Virginia Tech.

On 7 July 1990, he married Carmen Lathan. They have a son named Alston.

Bruce Smith Biography