Jackie Smith Biography

Jackie Larue Smith, born February 23, 1940, played as a tight end in the NFL for the St. Louis Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys. He played college football for the Northwestern State Demons before entering the professional league. Smith was chosen by the St. Louis Cardinals in the tenth round (129th overall) of the 1963 NFL draft. He joined a group of 10 rookies who made the Cardinals' roster that year. He was surprised to be drafted and initially doubted the selection, but resolved to earn his spot. Smith demonstrated durability by playing in 121 straight games before injury ended his streak in 1971. During the first half of his career, he competed alongside Hall of Famers John Mackey and Mike Ditka, both AP first-team All-Pro selections.