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Neil Smith Inducted into Missouri Sports Hall of Fame

February 13, 2008 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Kansas City Brigade News Release


Neil Smith, Brigade Co-Owner and former NFL star was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame on Sunday, February 10th. Smith, who was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, spent 10 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith was among 15 members of the Enshrinement Class of 2008.

An All-American at the University of Nebraska, Smith was selected with the second overall pick of the 1988 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith lived up to the lofty expectations by registering double-digit sacks for four straight seasons (1992-1995) and led the NFL in sacks during the 1993 season with 15. Smith ranks second in Chiefs history in sacks (86.5) and forced fumbles (29) behind only Derrick Thomas. Smith was inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame in 2006. Smith went on to win back-to-back Super Bowl Championships in 1997 and 1998, before finishing his 13 year NFL career in 2000. Smith's career totals include 104.5 sacks (19th most in NFL history), 12 fumble recoveries, four interceptions, and two touchdowns. Smith became a frequent visitor of Honolulu, Hawaii by earning six trips to the Pro Bowl-- including an impressive streak of five consecutive selections from 1991-1995.

Currently, Smith handles day to day operations of the Arena Football League's Kansas City Brigade. Smith also serves as a Spokesman for the Third-and-Long Foundation and is involved with Amor Fiery Steakhouse de Brazil in Overland Park, Kan. Smith said of his induction "First and foremost this is a great honor. I appreciate the H.O.F. committee recognizing my great career with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame has made this week very special for my family and me. Kansas City is my home, it is a great place to raise a family and I am glad that I have to opportunity to give back to this great community."

The 2008 Enshrinement Class included Neil Smith's former teammate Rod Smith, who set several school and conference records at Missouri Southern State University before going on to win two Super Bowls. Other notable inductees include former five-time Major League Baseball All-Star Keith Hernandez, former University of Missouri All-American Forward/Center John Brown, and former Kansas City Royals Catcher John Wathan, who currently serves as the Royals Assistant Director of Player Development.

The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame was founded by John Q. Hammons and is located in Springfield, MO.

Following his induction, Smith rejoined the Brigade as they traveled to Dallas this past weekend for a pre-season scrimmage against the Dallas Desperados. The Brigade open the 2008 regular season at Sprint Center on Saturday, March 1st at 5:00 PM as they host the Tampa Bay Storm. A limited number of tickets are still available for the season opener, for Brigade ticketing information call (913) 383-8020 or visit www.kcbrigade.com.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from February 13, 2008


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