John Smith (running back)


John Smith is a former American football running back in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Boise State University.

Early years

Smith attended Boise State University, where he was nicknamed "Super Needle" and became a three-year starter. As a sophomore, he had 87 carries for 572 yards and 5 touchdowns. The next year, he had 87 carries for 510 yards and 7 touchdowns.
In 1975, he produced 514 rushing yards on 87 carries with 6 rushing touchdowns and 45 receptions for 854 yards and 11 receiving touchdowns. He received All-Big Sky and Kodak All-American honors at the end of the year.
In his career, he recorded 260 carries for 1,623 yards, 6.24 yards per carry, 6.57 yards per carry in a season, 18 rushing touchdowns, 87 receptions for 1,527 yards, 17.5 yards per reception, 23 receiving touchdowns, 42 total touchdowns, 252 points and 3,549 yards of all-purpose yards.
In 1985, he was inducted into the Boise State University Hall of Fame, as arguably the best all-purpose running back in school history.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Smith was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 1976 NFL Draft, after dropping because although he was seen as a great athlete, he was considered light for a running back.
After a slow start in training camp, he seemed to be coming on with a 42-yard run and a touchdown score against the Detroit Lions in pre-season, but suffered a broken foot in practice and was placed on the injured reserve list. He was waived before the start of the 1977 season.

Kansas City Chiefs

On January 25, 1978, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs but was released on August 15.

Washington Redskins

On March 1st, 1979, he signed with the Washington Redskins and was waived on August 6.