Charles Aaron (Bubba) Smith

Charles Aaron (Bubba) Smith

Michigan State Football Player (1965 – 1967)

Bubba Smith was born in Orange, Texas and played high school football for his dad in Beaumont, Texas and was considered one of the all-time great Texas high school football players. Smith attended Michigan State and was a key member of the undefeated Michigan State team that played Notre Dame to a 10 – 10 tie in the Game of the Century in 1966. During his college career, Smith was twice named an All-American (1965, 1966) and was the number one overall selection in the 1967 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts. Smith played in the NFL for nine years and appeared in two Super Bowls with the Colts, winning one championship. He was selected to the All-Pro team one time, All-Conference two times and two Pro Bowls. After his playing days were over, Smith went on to an acting career. Bubba Smith is one of only three Michigan State players to have their number retired, along with being selected to the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame, the College Football Hall of Fame and inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1993. He passed away on August 3, 2011 at 61 years of age.