He played eight seasons, for the Philadelphia Eagles (1962–1964), Cleveland Browns (1965–1968), and the Atlanta Falcons (1969).

[2] In football, he helped them win the conference championship in 1955 and 1957, earning all-conference, All-Southern and All-American honors in all three seasons while being invited to several all-star games as a senior.

[2] Smith began attending the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in 1958 and played on the freshman football team that year.

[2][4][5] As a senior in 1961, he led the team in both receiving and tackles for loss while being named second-team All-American.

[1] He finished his NFL career having played 108 games, 25 of which he started, and recorded six touchdowns (five receiving, one fumble return) with 41 receptions for 549 yards.

[1] Smith started and operated a barbecue restaurant called "Skinny's" after his football career.