While he never played for the Vikings, he was what many considered a great guy, as well as an enjoyable actor after his NFL career was over. He was drafted in 1967 by the Colts, winning the Superbowl with the 1971 team, and finished his career with Oakland then Houston. He routinely was double teamed, but was still able to be a force to be reckoned with during his career. He was enshrined in the college football Hall of Fame in 1988. He still deserves to be in the NFL Hall of Fame.

He was also a fairly recognizable actor, playing Officer Hightower in the Police Acedemy films, the 1st which was about the only decent one to watch. I still laugh with him "learning to drive" in a Honda Civic.........with the front seats torn out so he could fit. Also started with fellow former NFLer Dick Butkus in the TV version of "Blue Thunder", no where near as succesful as the film version staring the late Roy Shieder.

Anyways, I thought it would be appropriate for a tip of the hat to someone from a by gone era, and what many called a gentle giant.

Bubba Smith 2/28/45 - 8/3/2011