Ralph Smith (American football)

Smith was born on December 1, 1938, in Brookhaven, Mississippi, and grew up there. He first attended the University Military School in Mobile, Alabama, in 1954, before transferring to Brookhaven High School in his hometown, where he would attend from 1955 to 1957. Smith had many accomplishments at Brookhaven. In football, he helped them win the conference championship in 1955 and 1957, earning all-conference, All-Southern and All-American honors in all three seasons while being invited to several all-star games as a senior. He also was three times named all-conference in basketball, helped them win the conference basketball championship in 1955, and helped the track team win the state championship in 1957. ==College career==

Smith began attending the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in 1958 and played on the freshman football team that year. As a senior in 1961, he led the team in both receiving and tackles for loss while being named second-team All-American. ==Professional career==

Smith was selected in both the 1962 AFL draft by the San Diego Chargers (12th round, 93rd overall) and the 1962 NFL draft by the Philadelphia Eagles (8th round, 111th overall), ultimately choosing to play for the Eagles. He appeared in 13 games, none as a starter, in his rookie season, recording one reception for 29 yards along with one rush for 13 yards. Smith joined the Cleveland Browns after being released by Philadelphia. He went on to play four years for the Browns, appearing in every game during that span while starting 29 of his 56 appearances. After leaving the Browns, Smith signed with the New Orleans Saints. He did not make the final roster. He was signed off waivers by the Atlanta Falcons after failing to make the Saints. Smith played in all 14 games as a backup for Atlanta before retiring after the season. He finished his NFL career having played 108 games, 25 of which he started, and recorded six touchdowns (five receiving, one fumble return) with 41 receptions for 549 yards. ==Later life and death==

Smith started and operated a barbecue restaurant called "Skinny's" after his football career. He was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. He died on August 23, 2023, in McComb, Mississippi, at age 84. ==References==