Ralph Smith

Ralph Allon "Catfish" Smith Sr. (December 1, 1938 – August 23, 2023) was an American professional football player who was an end in the National Football League (NFL). He played eight seasons, for the Philadelphia Eagles (1962–1964), Cleveland Browns (1965–1968), and the Atlanta Falcons. He was drafted out of Ole Miss by the Eagles in 1962 and also had a stint with the New Orleans Saints.

Early life Smith was born on December 1, 1938, in Brookhaven, Mississippi, and grew up there. He first attended the University Military School in Mobile, Alabama, in 1954, before transferring to Brookhaven High School in his hometown, where he would attend from 1955 to 1957.

Smith had many accomplishments at Brookhaven. As a senior in 1961, he led the team in both receiving and tackles for loss while being named second-team All-American.

Professional career Smith was selected in both the 1962 AFL draft by the San Diego Chargers (12th round, 93rd overall) and the 1962 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles (8th round, 111th overall), ultimately choosing to play for the Eagles. He appeared in 13 games, none as a starter, in his rookie season, recording one reception for 29 yards along with one rush for 13 yards.

Smith joined the Cleveland Browns after being released by Philadelphia. He went on to play four years for the Browns, appearing in every game during that span while starting 29 of his 56 appearances.

After leaving the Browns, Smith signed with the New Orleans Saints. He did not make the final roster. He was signed off waivers by the Atlanta Falcons after failing to make the Saints. Smith played in all 14 games as a backup for Atlanta before retiring after the season. He was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. He died on August 23, 2023, in McComb, Mississippi, at age 84.