Aaron Smith is a former American football defensive end who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers for his entire career. He was born on April 19, 1976, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and attended the University of Northern Colorado, where he played college football.
Smith was selected by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft and quickly became a key player on their defense. He was known for his ability to stop the run and rush the passer, and he was a key part of the Steelers' success during his career.
Over the course of his career, Smith played in 160 regular-season games for the Steelers, recording 453 tackles, 44 sacks, and 7 forced fumbles. He was named to the Pro Bowl twice, in 2004 and 2006, and was a member of the Steelers' Super Bowl-winning teams in 2005 and 2008.
Smith was also known for his durability, as he played in all 16 regular-season games in six different seasons. However, injuries began to take a toll on him later in his career, and he played in just 15 games over his final three seasons before retiring after the 2011 season.
Despite his impressive career, Smith was often overlooked by fans and media due to his position on the defensive line. However, his teammates and coaches recognized his importance to the team, and he was widely respected around the league for his work ethic and leadership.
Since retiring from football, Smith has remained involved in the sport as a coach and mentor. He has worked with young players through various camps and clinics, and he has also served as a defensive line coach at the high school level.
Overall, Aaron Smith was a dominant force on the defensive line for the Pittsburgh Steelers for over a decade. He was a key part of their success during his career, and his contributions to the team will not be forgotten.
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