Dennis Smith was a professional American football player who played as a safety in the National Football League (NFL) for over a decade. He was born on February 3, 1959, in Santa Monica, California, and attended Santa Monica High School, where he played football and basketball.
After high school, Smith attended the University of Southern California (USC) and played for the USC Trojans football team. He was a standout player and was named an All-American in 1980. He was also a member of the USC basketball team.
In 1981, Smith was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as one of the best safeties in the league, earning Pro Bowl honors in his second season. He was known for his hard-hitting style of play and his ability to make big plays on defense.
Smith played for the Broncos for 12 seasons, from 1981 to 1994. During his time with the team, he was a six-time Pro Bowler and was named to the All-Pro team three times. He was also a key member of the Broncos' defense that helped the team reach three Super Bowls in the 1980s.
In addition to his success on the field, Smith was also known for his leadership and work ethic. He was a team captain for the Broncos and was respected by his teammates and coaches alike.
After retiring from the NFL, Smith remained involved in football as a coach and broadcaster. He worked as a defensive backs coach for the Atlanta Falcons and the San Francisco 49ers, and also worked as a color commentator for NFL games on television.
Overall, Dennis Smith had a successful football career that spanned over a decade. He was one of the best safeties in the NFL during his time with the Denver Broncos and was a key member of the team's success in the 1980s. He was also known for his leadership and work ethic, and his contributions to the game of football have been recognized by his peers and fans alike.
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