Lou Smyth

Who was Lou Smyth?

Louis Lehman Smyth was a professional football player for the Canton Bulldogs from 1920 until 1923. Smyth won two NFL championships with the Bulldogs in 1922 and 1923 and another with the Yellow Jackets in 1926. He also played for the Hartford Blues, Rochester Jeffersons and the Providence Steamroller. Outside of the National Football League, he played for the Gilberton Cadamounts of the Anthracite League. During his year in Gilberton, Smyth doubled as a player with the Jeffersons. In 1923 Smyth led the NFL in touchdowns, with 7.

Smyth was strong runner. He was able to run over opposing linemen due to his size. However he was also an effective passer. Although he completed 25% of his passes, his passing average was better than 20-yards per completion. He also led the league in both touchdowns rushing and touchdown passes thrown, matching the record held by Jimmy Conzelman from the 1922 season. On defense, he may also have tied for the NFL lead in interceptions however no official statistics were kept at the time.