Vitamin Smith Explained

Vitamin Smith
Number:77
Position:Halfback
Birth Date:30 October 1923
Birth Place:Sweetwater, Texas, U.S.
Death Place:Lake Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Height Ft:5
Height In:8
Weight Lbs:179
High School:Sweetwater (TX)
Ventura (CA)
College:Abilene Christian
Teams:
Highlights:
Statlabel1:Rushing yards
Statvalue1:669
Statlabel2:Receiving yards
Statvalue2:1,025
Statlabel4:Kick return yards
Statvalue4:1,453
Statlabel5:Punt return yards
Statvalue5:814
Statlabel6:Total touchdowns
Statvalue6:23

Verda T. "Vitamin" Smith, Jr. (October 30, 1923 – February 14, 2000) was a National Football League (NFL) running back for the Los Angeles Rams from 1949 through 1953.

Smith served in the United States Army and participated in the Battle of Normandy before enrolling at Abilene Christian University where he sprinted, threw javelin and played college football for the Wildcats.[1] In the NFL, Smith was a return specialist. In 1950, he set a record by returning three kicks for touchdowns in a single season. That record would stand until 1967.[2]

Verda T. Smith married Myra Pearce, daughter of Mr. and Mr.s Herman F. Pearce, in Ventura, California on August 15, 1946. He was a student at Abilene Christian College at the time.[3]

Notes and References

  1. News: Hadfield . Ron . Wildcats are witnesses to NFL title history . 15 September 2019 . ACU Today . . 3 February 2016.
  2. News: Standout Ram Kick Returner Vitamin T. Smith Dead at 76 . 15 September 2019 . . . 16 February 2000.
  3. https://www.newspapers.com/image/1001059779