by Robert Steadman

Created on: March 15, 2009   Last Updated: March 20, 2009

What can you say about Bruce Smith? Bruce Smith was one of the best defensive lineman in the N.F.L. For a big man like Bruce he was fast for his size. Bruce Smith was the first pick in the first round of the N.F.L. draft by the Buffalo Bills in the 1985 draft. Bruce went to college at Virginia Tech. In college Bruce was known as the "Sack man". Bruce finished his college career at Virginia Tech in 1984. Virginia Tech, Bruce has a career of 71 tackles behind of line of scrimmage for 504 yard losses. Bruce has career of 46 quarterback sacks, 22 in his junior year in 1983. So you can see why he was the first overall pick by the Buffalo Bills.

Bruce Smith was named one of the fearsome foursome on N.F.L. defensive line list. Bruce Smith was fun to watch during his playing days. I was happy when Bruce broke Reggie White's career quarterback sacks record. At the time when Reggie White retired he finished with 198 quarterback sacks. When Bruce was signed as a free agent by the Washington Redskins, Bruce Broke Reggie's record with 200 career quarterback sacks. That record still stands today.

Bruce Smith had a great 19 year career, even though he never won the Super Bowl. Bruce Smith played in four Super Bowls with the Buffalo Bills. The Closest one they came to winning was in Super Bowl XXV, Kevin Norwood missed a game winning field goal by inches.

Bruce Smith is a 11 time Pro-Bowler. A 9 time first team All-Pro. Bruce was named on the All-decade team in the 1980's. Bruce was also named All-decade team of the 1990's. Bruce is a 2 time A.P. defensive player of the year. Bruce was named a 2 time N.E.A. defensive player of the year. On Sept 21, 2008, Bruce was put on the Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame during halftime against the Oakland Raiders. In 2005, Bruce was inducted into the Virginia Tech's Hall of Fame. In 2006, Bruce was inducted into the N.C.A.A. Hall of Fame. Then on Jan 31, 2009, Bruce was inducted into the N.F.L. Hall of Fame.

Bruce Smith now lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with his Wife and son. Bruce works as a hotel Designer. Bruce, I miss you playing football, you were fun to watch. I wish you did win the Super Bowl at least once. I know for you, you rather be in the Hall of Fame than winning a Super Bowl. Thank you for the memories.

Bruce Smith finished with 1,224 tackles, 200 quarterback sacks, 2 interceptions. With all things he has done, you can see why deserves to be in the N.F.L. Hall of Fame. Bruce played 14 years with the Buffalo Bills, then he last 4 years with the Washington Redskins. After the Washington Redskins let Bruce go after the 2003 season, Bruce Smith retired from the N.F.L.

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