He played college football for the Stanford Cardinal and was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 2005 NFL draft.

Smith was also a member of the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, and Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, and Washington Redskins.

He was a three-year starter and was runner-up to the John Mackey Award, given to the nation's top tight end, in 2004.

Smith was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 2005 NFL draft.

Smith finished his career with the Buccaneers starting 43 of 58 games, recording 129 receptions for 1,252 yards and 11 touchdowns.

On April 30, 2009, Smith was traded to the New England Patriots for a fifth round 2010 NFL draft pick.