Born on March 4, 1972, in Euclid, Ohio, Smith was a standout athlete from a young age. He attended Ohio State University, where he played college football for the Buckeyes. His exceptional performance in college led to his selection by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 1993 NFL Draft.
Smith's professional career started slowly due to injuries, but he soon established himself as a key player for the Vikings. In his rookie season, he rushed for 399 yards and a touchdown. Despite the injuries that limited his playing time in his first few seasons, Smith's talent was undeniable. He was known for his speed, agility, and ability to find gaps in the defense.
In 1997, Smith had a breakout season, rushing for over 1,000 yards for the first time in his career. He followed this up with another 1,000-yard season in 1998, helping the Vikings to a 15-1 record and a place in the NFC Championship Game. Smith's performance during the 1998 season earned him his first Pro Bowl selection.
Smith's best season came in 2000 when he led the NFL in rushing with 1,521 yards, earning him another Pro Bowl selection and First-Team All-Pro honors. Despite his success, Smith surprised many by announcing his retirement from professional football at the end of the 2000 season, at the age of 28. He cited health concerns and a desire to pursue other interests as reasons for his decision.
Throughout his eight-year career, Smith rushed for 6,818 yards and 32 touchdowns. He also had 178 receptions for 1,292 yards and six touchdowns. His career rushing yards rank him third in Vikings history, and his single-season rushing record stood until it was broken by Adrian Peterson in 2008.
Despite his relatively short career, Smith left a significant impact on the Vikings and the NFL. His combination of speed, power, and vision made him one of the most exciting running backs of his era. His decision to retire at the peak of his career, prioritizing his long-term health over short-term success, also set a precedent for other players.
After retiring from football, Smith pursued a career in broadcasting. He worked as a college football analyst for ESPN and has also made appearances on NFL Network. He has also written a book, "The Rest of the Iceberg: An Insider's View on the World of Sport and Celebrity," in which he shares his experiences and insights from his football career and life after retirement.
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