JT Smith Returns to Field at Record Age 51
Published on February 5, 2007 under Intense Football League (Intense)
West Texas Roughnecks News Release
BIG SPRING, TX. : Big Spring has one of their own playing in the IFL pre-season game titled the "Brawl in Big Spring". Starting his competitive football career as a Steer at Big Spring High School, wide receiver JT Smith will end it as a Big Spring Roughneck. "JT called and was very excited about the IFL brining the first-ever professional football game to his home town of Big Spring. He offered to help in anyway that he could but probably never dreamed that we would ask this of him", stated Roughnecks President Tommy Benizio, "He thought that I was kidding at first but after a little joking, convincing, begging, and getting his wife's permission, he agreed. This saved me from having to call and beg Bubba Franks!" JT's participation will set a record previously held by 46 year-old Atlanta Hawks place kicker Morten Andersen making him the oldest person ever to play professional football. "I am glad that I have kept healthy and am going to start getting in shape right away", said Smith, "I am very excited to come out of long-time retirement and put on a professional football uniform to represent the people and city of Big Spring, Texas!"
Smith was born in 1955 and graduated from Big Spring High in 1973. While there, he was named All-District, All Plains, and Honorable Mention Prep All American. As a receiver he amassed over 1,000 yards, and holds the school record with a 100 yard interception return for a touchdown. He was inducted to the Big Spring Hall of Fame and in 2002 and into the Fannin County Hall of Fame. He attended North Texas State University (now University of North Texas) in Denton, where he played from 1974-1977 for the Eagles. He was inducted into the University's Hall of Fame in 1991. Smith was honored when named a North Texas Football Athletic Barrier Breaker in 2003.
After scholastic football, Smith had 13 years of experience playing in the National Football League. He played for 3 teams including the Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins, and the St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals, from 1978-1990. JT was named to the AFC Pro Bowl team in 1980 and the NFC Pro Bowl team in 1988. He also led the NFL in total punt returns in 1979 & 1980. His stats include 544 receptions for 6,974 yards and 35 touchdowns for a career average of 12.8 yards per reception. He also averaged 10.9 yards per carry rushing the football. Since his retirement, Smith continued to work in the game of football including serving as Head Coach of Roughnecks rival and opponent for this pre-season game, the San Angelo Stampede Express in 2006. He looks to return to the "Smith of old" on March 31st at Howard College. "We are excited to have him in front of the home crowd once again on his debut return to professional football." stated Roughnecks Head Coach Chris Williams.
General admission tickets for this special one-time event are only $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 & under, seniors 60 and over and for Howard College students and faculty with appropriate ID. Tickets can be purchased immediately by calling (432) 332-PASS (7277) or in person at the Big Spring Herald offices at 710 Scurry in Big Spring starting tomorrow and at the Dorothy Garrett Coliseum box office beginning on Wednesday, March 14th and each business day through game day, Saturday, March 31st from 11:00 AM until 6:00 PM. Special discounted Corporate Sponsorship Packages including exclusive field-level seating have been designed and are also on sale now by calling the above number. Contact the team's office or log on to www.RoughnecksIFL.com to speak with JT Smith or for more information on any aspects of this event.
Intense Football League Stories from February 5, 2007
- Roughnecks announcement tomorrow - West Texas Roughnecks
- JT Smith Returns to Field at Record Age 51 - West Texas Roughnecks
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