Donald Smith (defensive back)

Last updated
Donald Smith
Born: (1968-02-21) February 21, 1968 (age 55)
Danville, Virginia
Career information
StatusRetired
CFL status American
Position(s) CB
College Liberty
NFL draft 1990 / Round: 10 / Pick: 271
Drafted by Minnesota Vikings
Career history
As player
1991 Dallas Cowboys
19921994 Winnipeg Blue Bombers
1995 Memphis Mad Dogs
19961999 Toronto Argonauts
2000 Hamilton Tiger-Cats
CFL East All-Star 1993, 1994, 1998

Donald Smith (born February 21, 1968) is an American former gridiron football cornerback in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Memphis Mad Dogs and Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats from 1992 to 2000. He also played in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Liberty University.

Contents

Early years

Smith attended George Washington High School, where he lettered in football, basketball, and track. He accepted a football scholarship from Liberty University, where he played cornerback and was coached by Sam Rutigliano. [1] As a junior, he registered 5 interceptions. As a senior, he made 3 interceptions. He finished his college career with 26 passes deflected.

Professional career

Minnesota Vikings

Smith was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the tenth round (271st overall) of the 1990 NFL Draft. [2] He was waived on September 3. [3]

Dallas Cowboys

In 1991, he was signed by the Dallas Cowboys. He played in three games before being released on October 17. [4] On December 6, he was signed to the practice squad. [5]

Winnipeg Blue Bombers

In 1992, he was signed by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League, helping the team reach the Grey Cup finals, while posting 67 defensive tackles, 24 special teams tackles, 3 interceptions and a 71-yard punt return for a touchdown. The next year the team also reached the Grey Cup finals. He was named an East Division All-Star at cornerback in 1993 and 1994.

Memphis Mad Dogs

In 1995, he signed with the Memphis Mad Dogs of the Canadian Football League and was named a South Division All-Star, after registering 50 tackles, 5 interceptions, 12 passes defended and 2 fumble recoveries.

Toronto Argonauts

In 1996, he was signed by the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League. During his time with the team, he was a part of two Grey Cup Championships (1996 and 1997). He was named an East Division All-Star at cornerback in 1998.

Personal life

From 2001 to 2002, he was an assistant football coach at Liberty University. He is a special education teacher at O.T. Bonner Middle School and a football and wrestling coach at George Washington High School.

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References

  1. "Flames Set Sights On Playoffs" . Retrieved April 30, 2016.
  2. "1990 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  3. "Transactions" . Retrieved April 30, 2016.
  4. "Cowboys Release Dixon" . Retrieved April 30, 2016.
  5. "Transactions" . Retrieved April 30, 2016.