Daryle Smith

Daryle Ray Smith (January 18, 1964 – February 11, 2010^[1]) was an American football offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys in 1987 and 1988, the Cleveland Browns in 1989, and the Philadelphia Eagles from 1990 through 1992. He was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee and played college football at the University of Tennessee.

Early years

Smith attended Powell High School, before accepting a scholarship from the University of Tennessee. He was the starter at left tackle for the 1985 team that won the school's first SEC championship in 15 years and also the Sugar Bowl against the University of Miami.^[2] A knee injury limited him to only 8 game starts as a senior.^[3]

Professional career

Seattle Seahawks (first stint)

Smith was not selected in the 1987 NFL Draft and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Seattle Seahawks.^[4] He was released before the start of the season.

Dallas Cowboys

After the players went on a strike on the third week of the 1987 season, those games were canceled (reducing the 16 game season to 15) and the NFL decided that the games would be played with replacement players. Smith was signed to be a part of the Dallas Cowboys replacement team, that was given the mock name "Rhinestone Cowboys" by the media. He ended up playing well in those 3 contests as the left tackle starter and was kept for the rest of the season, while starting 4 additional games and showing pass protection as his strength (shutting out All-Pro Dexter Manley on December 13).^[5] The next year he started 4 games in place of an injured Mark Tuinei.

On July 25, 1989, he was traded to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a ninth round choice (#230-Leon Perry).^[6]

Seattle Seahawks (second stint)

On August 29, 1989, it was reported that Smith left the Seattle Seahawks training camp.^[7]

Cleveland Browns

Smith signed with the Cleveland Browns at midseason in 1989. He was released after playing in 4 games on November 2, 1989.^[8]

Philadelphia Eagles

In 1991, Smith after being waived in training camp on August 26,^[9] was re-signed to play left tackle and on October 13, against the New Orleans Saints he was named the starter, after Ron Heller moved to the right side to take over the benched number one draft choice Antone Davis.^[10] Due to a groin injury Smith suffered, Davis regained his right tackle job and Heller took over the left tackle position for the rest of the year.

On October 25, 1992, against the Phoenix Cardinals, Smith took over the left tackle over an injured Heller and proceeded to start the next 3 games.^[11]

Minnesota Vikings

In 1993, he signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Vikings. He was released on August 30.^[12]

San Antonio Texans (CFL)

On July 31, 1995, he signed with the San Antonio Texans of the Canadian Football League.^[13]

Personal life

Smith became a football assistant coach at Powell High School after his playing career. Less than 3 weeks after his 46th birthday, Smith slipped into a coma shortly after checking into the University of Tennessee's Medical Center with pancreatic problems.^[14]

His son Lee, currently plays tight end for the Oakland Raiders.^[15]

References