Dennis Smith (born February 3, 1959) is an American former professional football player who played as a safety in the National Football League (NFL) for the Denver Broncos from 1981 to 1994.
Early Life
Smith was born in Santa Monica, California. He attended Santa Monica High School, where he played as a wide receiver and defensive back and was named the CIF Southern Section Co-Player of the Year in 1976. He also competed in track and field, breaking the high school high jump record in 1977.
College Career
Smith played college football at the University of Southern California (USC) from 1977 to 1980 under head coach John Robinson. He was a consensus All-American as a senior in 1980 and was a member of USC's national championship team in 1978. He played in two Rose Bowls and posted 205 career tackles and 16 interceptions. Smith was part of a secondary that included future NFL All-Pros Ronnie Lott and Joey Browner. He was inducted into the USC Ring of Fame in 2001.
Professional Career
Smith was selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round (15th overall) of the 1981 NFL Draft. He played his entire 14-year career with the Broncos, establishing a reputation as a hard-hitting safety.
Career Highlights
- 6× Pro Bowl (1985, 1986, 1989–1991, 1993)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1984, 1986)
- Second-team All-Pro (1989)
- NFL combined tackles leader (1983)
- Denver Broncos Ring of Fame (2001 inductee)
- Colorado Hall of Fame (2006 inductee)
Career Statistics
- Games played: 184 (170 starts)
- Tackles: 1,158 (1,152 recorded tackles — Broncos franchise all-time leader)
- Interceptions: 30
- Interception return yards: 431
- Sacks: 15.0
- Fumble recoveries: 17
Smith played in three Super Bowls with the Broncos (XXI, XXII, and XXIV). He ranks fourth all-time among Denver Broncos in games played with the franchise. He was named the Broncos' most inspirational player in 1992.
Post-Football
Smith was inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame in 2001 and the Colorado Hall of Fame in 2006. He has also been inducted into the Santa Monica High School Hall of Fame.
