Leonard "Big Len" Smith

Leonard "Big Len" Smith was an American professional gridiron football player who spent his entire career as a defensive tackle for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). Known for his formidable size and strength during the 1970s, Smith was a key figure in the Giants' defensive line for nearly a decade. His post-football life was marked by business ventures and significant personal challenges, including legal troubles that contrasted with his on-field reputation.

Early life and career

Born in the late 1940s in Birmingham, Alabama, Smith grew up during a period of significant social change in the American South. He attended A. H. Parker High School, a historically Black school in Birmingham, where he first excelled in football and track and field. His athletic prowess earned him a scholarship to the University of Alabama, where he played for legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. At Alabama, Smith was a teammate of future Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee John Hannah and contributed to the Crimson Tide's successful seasons in the late 1960s, including an appearance in the 1968 Sugar Bowl.

Professional football career

Selected by the New York Giants in the third round of the 1970 NFL Draft, Smith quickly became a starter on the defensive line. He played alongside notable teammates like Ron Johnson and Brad Van Pelt, anchoring a defense that often struggled during a challenging era for the franchise. Smith was known for his durability, rarely missing a game throughout his nine-season career, all spent with the Giants. His most productive season came in 1975, when he recorded a career-high in sacks, a statistic not officially kept by the NFL at the time. He retired following the 1978 season.

Post-football life and legacy

After retiring from the NFL, Smith remained in the New York metropolitan area, initially working in broadcasting for a local sports radio station. He later moved into the automotive industry, owning a chain of successful car washes in New Jersey and Long Island. Despite his business success, Smith's legacy is complex; he is remembered by former teammates and Giants historians as a durable and respected lineman during a transitional period for the team. He was posthumously inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2012, recognizing his contributions at both the collegiate and professional levels.

Personal life

Smith was married twice and had four children. He maintained a residence in Alpine, New Jersey, during his playing days and later lived in Atlanta, Georgia. A noted philanthropist, he was actively involved with the United Way of New York City and established a scholarship fund at his alma mater, A. H. Parker High School. In his later years, Smith developed a passion for golf and was a regular participant in charity tournaments for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Controversies and legal issues

Smith's post-retirement life was marred by significant legal and financial difficulties. In the early 1990s, he was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service for tax evasion related to his business holdings. This was followed by a high-profile civil lawsuit in 1995 filed by former business partners alleging fraud. The most serious incident occurred in 2002, when Smith was arrested in Fulton County, Georgia, on charges of aggravated assault following a domestic dispute; the charges were later reduced to misdemeanor battery after a plea deal. These issues contributed to a decline in his public standing and financial stability in the years before his death.

Category:American football defensive tackles Category:New York Giants players Category:Alabama Crimson Tide football players Category:People from Birmingham, Alabama Category:1940s births Category:2009 deaths