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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.
He was the second selection in the 1995 NFL Expansion Draft, and first
selection for the Carolinas Panthers in that draft.
Rod is the current President of the NFL Alumni Carolinas Chapter. |
