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| Jimmy Smith (wide receiver) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Jimmy Smith |
| Position | Wide receiver |
| Born | September 25, 1969 |
| Birth place | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Weight lb | 203 |
| College | Jackson State |
| Drafted year | 1993 |
| Drafted pick | 34 |
| Pastteams | * Pittsburgh Steelers (1993–2000) |
| Highlights | * Pro Bowl (1996) |
| Statlabel1 | Receptions |
| Statvalue1 | 360 |
| Statlabel2 | Receiving yards |
| Statvalue2 | 5,284 |
| Statlabel3 | Receiving touchdowns |
| Statvalue3 | 35 |
Jimmy Smith (wide receiver) Jimmy Smith (born September 25, 1969) is a former American football wide receiver who played eight seasons in the National Football League with the Pittsburgh Steelers. A second-round pick from Jackson State University, he earned a Pro Bowl selection in 1996 and was a key target for quarterbacks such as Neil O'Donnell and Kordell Stewart during the 1990s. Smith's career intersected with notable teams, coaches, and events including the 1995 NFL season and the Steelers' appearance in Super Bowl XXX.
Smith was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and attended Murrah High School—note: Murrah is in Jackson, Mississippi—where he played high school football and track. In high school he competed against regional programs from Louisiana State University recruits and other future collegiate athletes, attracting interest from HBCU programs and recruiters associated with Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference scouts. His performances placed him on scouting lists alongside prospects from Alcorn State University, Grambling State University, and Southern University.
Smith accepted a scholarship to Jackson State University, joining a program with alumni such as Walter Payton and coached by staff connected to Southwestern Athletic Conference. At Jackson State he developed route-running and field awareness under offensive coordinators who emphasized pro-style concepts similar to those run at University of Alabama and University of Southern California. Smith compiled receiving totals that garnered attention from NFL Scouting Combine attendees and pro scouts from franchises including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, and Kansas City Chiefs. His collegiate tape was evaluated by personnel executives familiar with scouting reports produced by outlets such as The Sporting News and Pro Football Weekly.
Smith was selected in the second round of the 1993 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, joining a roster built by general manager Bill Cowher and later coached by Cowher as head coach. He entered a receiving corps that included veterans and emerging players like Yancey Thigpen and later paired with quarterbacks Neil O'Donnell, Kordell Stewart, and backups such as Mike Tomczak. Smith's breakout season came in 1996 when he earned a Pro Bowl nod after posting career highs in receptions and yards, contributing to the Steelers' offense that advanced through the AFC playoff picture. He was a starter for the Steelers during their run to Super Bowl XXX against the Dallas Cowboys, playing in a supporting role as the team relied on a run game featuring running backs Barry Foster and pass protection schemes implemented by offensive line coach staffs with philosophies similar to those used by Bill Walsh disciples. During his tenure Smith dealt with injuries and roster competition as franchises like the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers demonstrated league-wide trends toward pass-heavy offenses. Smith finished his NFL career with 360 receptions, 5,284 receiving yards, and 35 touchdowns, leaving the Steelers in the early 2000s as the organization transitioned personnel toward players such as Hines Ward.
Smith was noted for his crisp route-running, dependable hands, and ability to operate both from the slot and outside, drawing comparisons in skill set to receivers developed in systems at Florida State University and Notre Dame. Analysts from publications including Sports Illustrated and ESPN highlighted his situational reliability on third downs and red zone targets, while coaches praised his football intelligence and preparation reminiscent of receivers coached under Tom Landry-influenced schemes. His legacy with the Steelers is often framed alongside the franchise's defensive tradition represented by players such as Rod Woodson and Greg Lloyd, illustrating a roster balance that produced sustained competitiveness in the AFC Central during the 1990s. Smith's career serves as a case study in successful transitions from HBCU programs to sustained NFL roles, comparable to trajectories of players like Jerry Rice in terms of collegiate-to-pro development pathways.
Smith has maintained ties to Jackson, Mississippi and New Orleans, Louisiana communities, participating in outreach similar to initiatives run by athletes associated with NFL Players Association programs. Post-retirement, his activities have included youth coaching, appearances at alumni events for Jackson State Tigers football and engagement with charitable organizations modeled after foundations founded by players such as Troy Polamalu and Ben Roethlisberger. Smith's post-career narrative intersects with broader conversations about former NFL players' health and wellness, topics covered by outlets like The New York Times and ProPublica.
- Seasons: 1993–2000 with the Pittsburgh Steelers - Receptions: 360 - Receiving yards: 5,284 - Receiving touchdowns: 35 - Pro Bowl selections: 1996
Category:1969 births Category:Living people Category:American football wide receivers Category:Pittsburgh Steelers players Category:Jackson State Tigers football players