Willie Smith

Willie Smith (born August 6, 1964) is an American former professional football tight end who played one season with the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes, earning consensus All-American honors in 1985. He was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 10th round of the 1986 NFL draft.

Early life Willie Smith was born on August 6, 1964, in Jacksonville, Florida. He attended Englewood High School in Jacksonville. Smith was also named all-state in basketball and track. His 66 receptions was the most among independents that year. Smith skipped his senior year to enter the 1986 NFL draft. He was inducted into the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 2023. On June 30, 1986, he was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine and carrying a concealed firearm. He agreed to enter into a pretrial intervention program instead of facing charges.

Smith signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on February 19, 1987. He was released on October 19, 1987, after the strike ended.