Bubba Smith, a towering presence both on the football field and the big screen, is best remembered for his dual career as an NFL player and a beloved actor. Standing at 6’7″ and weighing over 250 pounds during his playing days, Smith was a dominant force in professional football throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s. After retiring from football, he seamlessly transitioned into acting, where he became famous for his role as Moses Hightower in the Police Academy film series. Smith’s unique combination of athletic prowess and comedic talent helped him build a lasting legacy in both sports and entertainment.
Born Charles Aaron “Bubba” Smith on February 28, 1945, in Orange, Texas, Smith would go on to become one of the most recognizable athletes of his time, excelling at Michigan State University before embarking on an impressive career in the NFL. Though his time on the gridiron was marked by success, it was his post-football journey into Hollywood that truly solidified his place in pop culture. His presence in films and television, along with his philanthropic efforts and contributions to his community, made him a multifaceted figure who transcended his role as an athlete.
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Bubba Smith was born into an athletic family, and sports were an essential part of his upbringing. His father, Willie Ray Smith, Sr., was a renowned high school football coach, and under his guidance, Bubba and his brother, Tody, were groomed for football success from an early age. Bubba attended Charlton-Pollard High School in Beaumont, Texas, where he quickly established himself as a football star. His combination of size, strength, and speed made him a standout player, attracting attention from top college football programs around the country.
Smith eventually chose to play for Michigan State University, where he became a key player on the Spartans’ defensive line. He helped lead the team to national prominence in the mid-1960s, and his dominance on the field earned him All-American honors in both 1965 and 1966. Smith’s success at Michigan State culminated in one of the most famous games in college football history—the 1966 “Game of the Century,” in which Michigan State played Notre Dame to a 10-10 tie. Smith’s performance in this game, and throughout his college career, cemented his status as one of the top prospects for the NFL Draft.
NFL Career and Pro Football Success
Bubba Smith entered the NFL as the first overall pick in the 1967 NFL Draft, selected by the Baltimore Colts. His impact was immediate, as he became a dominant defensive end known for his ability to disrupt offenses and sack quarterbacks with ease. Smith’s size and athleticism made him a force to be reckoned with, and he quickly developed a reputation as one of the league’s premier defensive players.
Smith’s career with the Colts reached its peak when the team made it to Super Bowl III in 1969. Although the Colts lost to the New York Jets in a historic upset led by Joe Namath, Smith and the Colts would return to the Super Bowl two years later. In 1971, Smith and the Colts secured a victory in Super Bowl V, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 16-13. The victory solidified Smith’s place as one of the top defensive ends of his era.
After five seasons with the Colts, Smith was traded to the Oakland Raiders in 1972, where he continued to perform at a high level. He finished his NFL career with the Houston Oilers, retiring in 1976 after a total of nine seasons in the league. Smith was known for his fearsome playing style, but also for his sportsmanship and leadership on and off the field. His impact on the game earned him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988, and he remains a revered figure in both college and professional football.
Transition to Acting
After retiring from professional football, Bubba Smith made a surprising career move—he transitioned into acting, a field where his physicality, charisma, and unique sense of humor would serve him well. His early acting work included guest appearances on popular television shows such as Good Times, The Odd Couple, and Charlie’s Angels. Not to mention a main role in Blue Thunder. While he was often cast in roles that took advantage of his imposing physical stature, Smith showed an ability to bring both comedic timing and warmth to his performances.
Smith’s big break came in 1984 when he was cast as Moses Hightower in the hit comedy Police Academy. The character of Hightower was a soft-spoken giant who had an aversion to violence but was known for his extraordinary strength. This juxtaposition of Hightower’s gentle nature with his physical dominance made him a fan favorite, and Smith’s comedic talents helped elevate the role. His ability to deliver humor while maintaining an imposing presence added depth to the character, making him one of the most memorable figures in the series.
Police Academy became a major success, spawning multiple sequels throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. Smith reprised his role as Hightower in five of the films, and his popularity as part of the ensemble cast helped cement Police Academy as a staple of 1980s comedy. Smith’s transition from football to acting was considered one of the most successful among former athletes, as he not only found a niche in comedy but also became a beloved figure in pop culture.
Later Acting Career and Other Ventures
Beyond the Police Academy series, Bubba Smith continued to act in television and film throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He appeared in guest roles on shows like Married… with Children, Family Matters, and The Wonder Years. Smith also made several appearances in action films, often playing tough, no-nonsense characters that drew on his football background and physicality.
In addition to acting, Smith appeared in various commercials and advertising campaigns, most notably for Miller Lite beer. His work in these ads, which featured a mix of humor and sports nostalgia, further cemented his status as a recognizable and beloved public figure.
Outside of acting, Smith was also involved in various philanthropic efforts and community outreach programs. He often spoke about the importance of education and staying out of trouble, particularly for young people growing up in difficult circumstances. His work with children and communities underscored his commitment to giving back, and he used his platform to advocate for positive change.
Personal Life and Legacy
While Bubba Smith was widely known for his accomplishments in both football and acting, he was also a man who valued his privacy. He did not seek the spotlight in his personal life and often spoke about the challenges of fame, particularly after transitioning from the NFL to Hollywood. Smith remained close to his family and was known for his loyalty to his friends and colleagues, both in the sports world and in the entertainment industry.
Smith’s sudden passing on August 3, 2011, at the age of 66, shocked both fans and colleagues. His death was later attributed to heart disease, with contributing factors linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition that affects many former football players due to repeated head trauma. His passing brought renewed attention to the risks faced by professional athletes, particularly those who played in the physically demanding era of the NFL.
Bubba Smith’s legacy is multifaceted. He was a fearsome competitor on the football field, a charismatic actor who brought joy to millions through his comedic performances, and a philanthropist who cared deeply about his community. His ability to excel in two very different industries is a testament to his versatility, talent, and resilience. Today, Smith is remembered not only as a dominant force in the NFL but also as a beloved figure in Hollywood, whose impact on popular culture continues to be felt.
Whether remembered for his Super Bowl victory with the Colts or his iconic portrayal of Hightower in Police Academy, Bubba Smith’s contributions to sports and entertainment are undeniable. His legacy lives on through his body of work and the countless lives he touched both on and off the field.