He played college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils.

He was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 2000 NFL draft, and also was a member of the San Francisco 49ers.

Smith attended Skyline High School in Oakland, California, and was a top student and a letterman in football.

Smith attended Arizona State University, where he was an All-American first-team selection in 1999, having only allowed one sack all season.

[2] An unrestricted free agent after the 2008 season, Smith agreed to terms with the San Francisco 49ers on March 27, 2009.