Jim Smith

Who is Jim Smith?

Jim Smith is a former professional American football player who played wide receiver for six seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League before starring on the Birmingham Stallions of the rival United States Football League. Smith would play a final season in the NFL playing for the Los Angeles Raiders.

In high school, Jim Smith would play for Blue Island Eisenhower High School. There he earned All-Conference and All-State honors. In his senior year, he would lead the Dwight D. Eisenhower High School Cardinals to the South Suburban Conference title over the second-place Quinn Buckner led Thornridge Falcons. He would receive a full-scholarship to play at the University of Michigan. Smith was a standout flanker/wingback for the University of Michigan during the mid-1970s. A versatile, all-around threat, he averaged more than 7-yards running, more than 10 yards on punt returns, more than 20 yards on pass receptions and more than 17 yards on kickoff returns. In all, he gained 2,890 yards during his career. His gained 184 yards on pass receptions against Purdue—at the time the second highest yardage in Michigan history. He received All Conference honors in the Big Ten. He was also named a First Team All American WR his senior year.