Rest in Peace Bubba Smith

Former NFL defensive end Bubba Smith, who followed his successful football career with a TV and movie acting career, died at his Los Angeles area home on August 3rd, 2011. He was 66 years old.

Born Charles Aaron Smith in 1945 in Beaumont, Texas, he played college football at Michigan State, and was the number one overall pick in the 1967 NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts. Smith had a reputation as a relentless pass rusher. He played in two Super Bowls with the Colts. Smith later played for the Oakland Raiders and Houston Oilers.

After he retired in 1975, Smith began landing small acting roles on television. His acting career got a big boost from a series of Miller Lite beer commercials featuring retired athletes, but perhaps his greatest success was his role as Sgt. Moses Hightower (later Lieutenant) in the Police Academy series of comedy films.