Justin Smith is a former American football defensive end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for over a decade. He was born on September 30, 1979, in Jefferson City, Missouri, and attended the University of Missouri, where he played college football for the Missouri Tigers.
Smith was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft, and he spent his first seven seasons with the team. During his time in Cincinnati, he established himself as one of the league's top defensive linemen, earning two Pro Bowl selections and being named a First-Team All-Pro in 2011.
In 2008, Smith signed a free-agent contract with the San Francisco 49ers, where he would spend the final seven seasons of his career. He continued to be a dominant force on the defensive line, earning three more Pro Bowl selections and being named a Second-Team All-Pro in 2012.
Throughout his career, Smith was known for his versatility and durability. He played both defensive end and defensive tackle, and he rarely missed games due to injury. He was also known for his work ethic and leadership, serving as a team captain for both the Bengals and the 49ers.
Smith retired from the NFL after the 2014 season, finishing his career with 87 sacks, 16 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. He was widely regarded as one of the best defensive linemen of his era, and he was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.
Off the field, Smith has been involved in various charitable endeavors, including the Justin Smith Foundation, which supports children's charities in his hometown of Jefferson City. He has also been active in hunting and fishing, and he owns a hunting and fishing lodge in Missouri.
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