Smolinski played for the NFL's Baltimore Colts and the AFL champion New York Jets.
He married his wife Janice (Wetsch) Smolinski on June 1, 1968, and has three children: Shawn, Erica and Shadd.
Upon retiring from professional football, Smolinski returned to Northern Michigan and took a coaching job at Petoskey High School in Petoskey, Michigan, where he currently resides.
In 2009, Smolinski was honored by the Presque Isle Historical Museum as "a hometown hero to several generations.
"[1] The exhibit featured photos and memorabilia from both his high school days and his professional career.