Remembering the Legendary Jackie Smith: The Dallas Cowboys' Forgotten Hero

In the pantheon of Dallas Cowboys legends, there are a few names that often get lost in the conversation. One such player is Jackie Smith, a tight end who played for the team from 1966 to 1977 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. While his on-field accomplishments may not be as well-known as some of his contemporaries, Smith's impact on the Cowboys' success during the 1970s cannot be overstated.

One of the main reasons Smith's legacy has been overlooked is that he played in an era where the tight end position was not as prominent as it is today. However, this only adds to his importance, as he was a versatile player who excelled in both passing and running situations. Smith's ability to block for the quarterback and catch passes out of the backfield made him a valuable asset to the Cowboys' offense.

During his 12-year career with the Cowboys, Smith was a key contributor to the team's Super Bowl VI championship win in 1972. He was also a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was named First-Team All-Pro in 1973. Despite his numerous accolades, Smith's name often gets lost in the conversation with other Cowboys legends, such as Tony Dorsett and Roger Staubach.

The Early Years: Jackie Smith's Rise to Prominence

From High School to College Football

Jackie Smith was born on April 26, 1943, in Moore, Oklahoma. He began his football career at Moore High School, where he was a standout player and helped lead his team to a state championship. After high school, Smith attended the University of Oklahoma, where he played college football for the Sooners from 1961 to 1964. During his time at Oklahoma, Smith was a member of the 1963 National Championship team and was named All-American in 1964.

The NFL Draft and Early Career

In 1965, Smith was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the NFL draft. He signed a contract with the team and began his professional career as a tight end. Smith's early years with the Cowboys were marked by promise, as he quickly established himself as a reliable receiver out of the backfield. He was known for his quickness, agility, and sure hands, which made him a favorite target for Cowboys quarterback Craig Morton.

The High Point of Jackie Smith's Career: Super Bowl VI

A Championship Season

The 1971 season was a special one for the Cowboys, as they finished with a 11-3 record and advanced to Super Bowl VI. The team's offense, led by quarterback Roger Staubach and tight end Jackie Smith, was nearly unstoppable. Smith caught 28 passes for 303 yards and 1 touchdown in the regular season, and he was a key contributor to the team's victory in the playoffs.

The Super Bowl Win

On January 16, 1972, the Cowboys faced off against the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI. The game was played at the Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana, and the Cowboys came away with a 24-3 victory. Smith caught 4 passes for 39 yards in the game, but it was his block on a kickoff return that helped spring the Cowboys' running back, Tony Dorsett, for a 32-yard gain. The block, combined with the Cowboys' stingy defense, helped to secure the team's fifth Super Bowl championship in franchise history.

The Legacy of Jackie Smith

Impact on the Dallas Cowboys

Jackie Smith's impact on the Dallas Cowboys' success during the 1970s cannot be overstated. He was a versatile player who excelled in both passing and running situations, and his ability to block for the quarterback and catch passes out of the backfield made him a valuable asset to the team's offense. Smith's on-field accomplishments, including his Pro Bowl selections and First-Team All-Pro nod, are a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.

From Forgotten Hero to Living Legend

Despite his numerous accolades, Jackie Smith's name often gets lost in the conversation with other Cowboys legends. However, this only adds to his importance, as he was a true leader on the team who consistently made plays when it mattered most. In recent years, Smith's legacy has been rediscovered, and he is now widely regarded as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history.

Conclusion

Jackie Smith's legacy as a Dallas Cowboys legend is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and love of the game. From his early years at Oklahoma to his success with the Cowboys, Smith was a true leader on the field who consistently made plays and helped his team achieve greatness. As we remember Smith's contributions to the Cowboys' success during the 1970s, we are reminded of the importance of hard work, teamwork, and a never-say-die attitude.

Some of Jackie Smith's notable achievements include:

• 4x Pro Bowl selection
• 1x First-Team All-Pro selection
• Super Bowl VI champion
• 11x playoff appearances
• 12x career NFL games played

SMITH'S CAREER STATISTICS