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Key moments and achievements from Mark Smith's life.
Mark was born
· Vicksburg, Mississippi, U.S.
Athletic Achievement
Mark Smith was a dominant force at Vicksburg High School, earning All-Warren County honors, Most Outstanding Linebacker, Most Valuable Player, Best Offensive Player, Best Rebounder, and Player of the Week awards. As a three-year letterman, he built a reputation as one of the most tenacious athletes in Mississippi high school football.
Athletic Achievement
Mark Smith was a dominant force at Vicksburg High School, earning All-Warren County honors, Most Outstanding Linebacker, Most Valuable Player, Best Offensive Player, Best Rebounder, and Player of the Week awards. As a three-year letterman, he built a reputation as one of the most tenacious athletes in Mississippi high school football.
Athletic Honor
After playing one season at Navarro College, Smith transferred to Hinds Community College, where he helped anchor one of the top defensive units in junior college football. He earned Junior College All-American honors and was regarded as one of the top linebackers in the country, earning a scholarship to Auburn University.
Athletic Honor
After playing one season at Navarro College, Smith transferred to Hinds Community College, where he helped anchor one of the top defensive units in junior college football. He earned Junior College All-American honors and was regarded as one of the top linebackers in the country, earning a scholarship to Auburn University.
NFL Draft
Smith was selected in the seventh round of the 1997 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He earned All-Rookie Team honors in his first season, quickly establishing himself as a productive defensive tackle at the professional level after playing collegiate ball at Auburn University.
NFL Draft
Smith was selected in the seventh round of the 1997 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He earned All-Rookie Team honors in his first season, quickly establishing himself as a productive defensive tackle at the professional level after playing collegiate ball at Auburn University.
Professional Career
Over his six-year NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals (four seasons) and the Cleveland Browns, Smith recorded 191 total tackles, 20 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He was a reliable defensive presence who contributed consistently to both franchises' defensive lines throughout his time in the league.
Professional Career
Over his six-year NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals (four seasons) and the Cleveland Browns, Smith recorded 191 total tackles, 20 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He was a reliable defensive presence who contributed consistently to both franchises' defensive lines throughout his time in the league.
Hall of Fame
In 2024, Smith received dual Hall of Fame inductions, being honored by both the Hinds Community College Sports Hall of Fame and the Vicksburg Warren School District Athletic Hall of Fame. These recognitions celebrated his athletic achievements from his formative years through his professional career.
Hall of Fame
In 2024, Smith received dual Hall of Fame inductions, being honored by both the Hinds Community College Sports Hall of Fame and the Vicksburg Warren School District Athletic Hall of Fame. These recognitions celebrated his athletic achievements from his formative years through his professional career.
Mark Smith passed away
