Dennis Smith was the best player to ever wear jersey No. 49 for the Denver Broncos.
After playing college football at USC and winning a national championship, Smith was picked by the Broncos in the first round of the 1981 NFL draft. He went on to spend his entire 14-year career in Denver, helping the team reach three Super Bowls.
A hard-hitting safety, Smith totaled 1,158 tackles, 30 interceptions, 15 sacks and 17 fumble recoveries during his 184 games with the Broncos (170 starts). He was a three-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowl selection.
Although the team lost all three Super Bowls in the 1980s (XXI, XXII, XXIV), Smith played a key role in helping Denver reach the NFL’s biggest stage. He was added to the Broncos’ Ring of Fame in 2001.
One of the hardest-hitting safeties in #Broncos history 👊#BroncosLegends x Dennis Smith pic.twitter.com/Qif65zoyBB
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 18, 2020
Smith is tied with Justin Simmons for seventh place on the team’s all-time interceptions list, above Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Atwater (24). Smith was one of the best safeties in franchise history, and the best player to ever wear No. 49 for the Broncos.
Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
