Jackie Smith Hall Of Fame NFL

Jackie Smith was one of the NFL’s most dynamic and dependable tight ends, redefining the position with his speed, route running, and durability. Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1963, Smith quickly became a leading offensive weapon, recording five straight seasons with 600+ receiving yards at a time when tight ends were primarily blockers. His athleticism allowed him to stretch the field and create mismatches, helping him earn five Pro Bowl selections and a First-Team All-Pro honor.

Smith played 16 seasons, finishing as one of the most productive tight ends of his era with more than 7,900 receiving yards. Though he ended his career with the Dallas Cowboys, he is best remembered as the Cardinals’ premier offensive playmaker. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994, Jackie Smith remains a pioneering figure in transforming the tight end role into a true receiving threat.

Smith's Awards and Honors

• 4× Second-team All-Pro (1966–1969)
• 5× Pro Bowl (1966–1970)
• 1× First-Team All-Pro
• NFL 1960s All-Decade Team

NFL Records

• One of the first elite receiving tight ends
• Retired as the NFL’s all-time leading tight end in receiving yards at the time
• Averaged 16.5 yards per catch—exceptional for a tight end

NFL Teams

St. Louis Cardinals (1963–1977)
Dallas Cowboys (1978)