Bob Smith

Robert Lee Smith (February 28, 1929 – January 5, 2005) was an American professional football fullback who played two seasons with the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 1951 NFL draft. He played college football at Texas A&M University.

Early life Robert Lee Smith was born on February 28, 1929, in Dallas, Texas. His family moved to Houston, Texas when Smith was in seventh grade. He attended Mirabeau B. Lamar Senior High School in Houston. In 1950, he totaled 219 rushing attempts for 1,416 yards and 14 touchdowns, eight catches for 116 yards and one touchdown, and one completion on two passing attempts for five yards, one touchdown, and one interception, garnering AP and UP first-team All-SWC recognition. He was the first player in SWC history to rush for at least 1,000 yards in one season. The Texas Sportswriters Association named him the Texas Athlete of the Year in 1950. Smith was teammates with defensive back Bob Smith during his time with the Lions. Smith became a free agent after the 1955 season.

Personal life Smith later worked as an engineer on oil rigs and opened his own print shop. He died on January 5, 2005, in Dallas at the age of 75 after suffering a heart attack and stroke earlier in the week.