Rod Smith a standout cornerback at Notre Dame, was taken in the second round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. Following three seasons in New England, Smith was the first overall selection by the Panthers in the 1995 expansion draft and started in the first ever football game in Panthers history. Finishing his career with the Packers in 1998, Smith has gone on to provide commentary for ESPN’s college football coverage and the Carolina Panthers’ radio pre-game and post-game shows.
College
Honorable mention All-American and a Super Sleeper Team choice by The Poor Man's Guide to the NFL Draft ... Opened his senior season at CB before shifting to strong safety ... Finished the season with 69 total tackles (45 solos) and three INTs ... Played in every game as a junior ... Was one of eight freshman to letter ... Also a three-year standout on the Irish track team ... Won the Central Collegiate Conference indoor title in the 200 (22.17) in 1991.

Personal
All-American by Parade Magazine who was rated as the 43rd best prep prospect ... Named to the USA Today's Top 100 ... Rushed for 1,455 yards and 15 TDs in nine games as a senior ... All-Minnesota honors each year in track ... Won the state titles in the 100 meters (10.6) and 200 meters (21.7) ... Economics degree, A. Finished masters degree Organizational management at Pfeiffer University in Charlotte ... Works with the Big Brother program in Boston ... Enrolled in Andre Tippett's karate class during the 1993 off-season. Played 3 years in New England (2 under Bill Parcells), played 3 years in Carolina, 1 year with the Green bay packers, finishing in 99' with Atlanta.

Rod is the current President of the NFL Alumni Carolinas Chapter.