Robert Smith is a former NFL running back who played his entire career for the Minnesota Vikings. Known for his speed, vision, and ability to break long runs, Smith became one of the top running backs of his era. His career was marked by both flashes of brilliance and periods of frustration, but ultimately, he left a lasting impact on the Vikings franchise and the NFL.

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: Robert Allen Smith
Born: March 4, 1976
Hometown: Wheaton, Illinois

High School:

• Smith attended Wheaton North High School in Wheaton, Illinois, where he was a standout athlete in multiple sports, including football. He quickly earned recognition as one of the top running back prospects in the state due to his speed and athleticism.

College:

• Smith played college football at Ohio State University, where he was an explosive and highly productive running back for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
• During his college career, Smith was known for his ability to make defenders miss with his agility and breakaway speed.
• In his junior season, Smith had a standout year, rushing for over 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns. He decided to forgo his senior season and declared for the NFL Draft after his junior year.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

• Robert Smith was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft (21st overall pick).

Minnesota Vikings (1999–2000, 2003–2006)

• Running Back:
  • Smith played for the Minnesota Vikings for 7 seasons (1999–2000, 2003–2006), taking a brief retirement in the middle of his career before returning to the team in 2003.
  • Known for his quickness, breakaway speed, and vision, Smith was one of the most dangerous running backs in the NFL when healthy. He had the ability to take a handoff and quickly turn it into a long touchdown run.
• Key Contributions:
  • Smith’s most productive years came from 2000 to 2001 when he rushed for over 1,000 yards in each season. His 2000 season was particularly impressive, as he gained 1,521 rushing yards and scored 9 touchdowns, earning him a spot in the Pro Bowl.
  • One of Smith’s key strengths was his ability to break off long runs. He had multiple runs of 40 yards or more during his career, showcasing his home-run hitting ability.
  • Despite his injury struggles, Smith was an integral part of the Vikings’ offense and helped lead them to multiple playoff appearances during his tenure.
  • Smith also contributed as a receiver out of the backfield, showing his versatility in both the running and passing games. He caught over 40 passes in the 2001 season.
• Retirement:
  • Smith initially retired after the 2000 season, citing concerns about the long-term effects of injuries and the physical toll the game had taken on his body.
  • However, after a three-year hiatus, he returned to the Vikings in 2003, where he played for four more seasons before retiring for good after the 2006 season.

Post-NFL Life

• After retiring from professional football, Robert Smith transitioned into a career as a sports commentator and analyst. He became a well-respected voice in sports media, working as a football analyst for ESPN and other outlets.
• He is known for his thoughtful insights into the game and his ability to break down complex plays and strategies. Smith’s education, combined with his NFL experience, allowed him to offer a well-rounded perspective on the game.

Legacy

• Minnesota Vikings:
  • Robert Smith may not have had the longest career in NFL history, but his time with the Minnesota Vikings was highly productive. His talent and speed made him a fan favorite and an important part of the Vikings’ offense during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
  • His ability to break long runs and contribute both in the running and passing games helped solidify his place as one of the top running backs of his era.
  • Smith’s decision to retire early, while cutting his career short, is often cited as a reminder of the physical toll the game can take on players, but his impact in his relatively brief career was undeniable.

Summary

• Position: Running Back
• NFL Team: Minnesota Vikings (1999–2000, 2003–2006)
• Career Length: 7 seasons
• Key Contributions: Breakaway speed, 1,000-yard seasons, dual-threat ability as both a runner and receiver
• Pro Bowl Appearances: 1 (2000)
• Legacy: Known for his explosive running style and ability to break long runs, Smith remains one of the most dynamic running backs in Vikings history.

Robert Smith’s career is remembered for its flashes of brilliance and his dynamic ability to impact the game. Though injuries and an early retirement limited his career, his talent as a running back was undeniable, and his legacy remains strong within the Minnesota Vikings franchise.