16 Facts About Blane Smith

Blane E Smith was born on July 13,1954 and is an American former professional football linebacker.

Blane Smith played college football for the Purdue Boilermakers and was selected in the seventh round of the 1977 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns.

Blane Smith later appeared in one game for the Green Bay Packers and was a member of the New York Jets.

Blane Smith was one of 15 children and moved with his family to Gary, Indiana, around age three.

Blane Smith grew up in Gary with many of his siblings in a two-room house, describing his living conditions as like "sardines in a can".

Blane Smith played basketball and football growing up and declared that he would be a future first-round NFL draft selection while in sixth grade.

Blane Smith attended Theodore Roosevelt High School in Gary and was recruited to play basketball for several colleges, but instead chose to play college football for the Purdue Boilermakers.

Blane Smith enrolled at Purdue University in 1973 and played for the Boilermakers from 1974 to 1976.

Blane Smith broke out as one of the top defensive ends in the Big Ten Conference in 1975, being selected first-team All-Big Ten.

Blane Smith was Purdue's sole player on the Associated Press All-Big Ten team for the 1975 season.

Blane Smith was named first-team All-Big Ten for a second time in 1976 and was part of a defense that held No 1-ranked Michigan to 14 points, with the Boilermakers winning the game in an upset.

Blane Smith was invited to the 1977 Senior Bowl, where he was used as an emergency tight end following an injury to another player.

Blane Smith signed with the Browns on June 27,1977.

Blane Smith was released on August 31,1977, with coach Gregg citing his struggles with catching the football.

Blane Smith was released by the Packers in 1978 and then acquired off waivers by the New York Jets on June 19,1978.

Blane Smith was released by the Jets the following month, ending his professional career.