CARDS: ProSet 1989, Score 1989, Fleer 1990, SkyBox 1992
ACQUIRED: TTM 2020, C/o Home
SENT: 5/16 RECEIVED: 5/26 (10 Days)

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

• Coming from excellent bloodlines (his father Billy Ray Smith Sr played from 1957-1970), Billy Ray Smith Jr was the San Diego Chargers #1 pick in 1983.
• Had an outstanding college career, where he finished second in Lombardi Award voting in both 1981 and 1982.
• A two time All-American at Arkansas, he started 48 games over his college career, posting 195 unassisted tackles, 63 tackles for loss, 8 fumble recoveries, 13 pass breakups and a pick.
• A fearsome, smart, and instinctual linebacker, Billy Ray Smith quickly established himself as the defensive play caller for the Chargers defense.

• In 1985 Billy was voted the team’s most valuable player on defense, from his inside linebacker position.
• He moved outside in 1986, and immediately paid dividends, notching 11 sacks and again earned the praise of his teammates, and the team’s defensive MVP award.
• Billy completed the trifecta in 1987 leading the team in tackles for the second consecutive year and pulling down 5 picks.
• Over his first 5 seasons with the franchise, Billy finished first or second in tackles on the Chargers defense.
• He also was named defensive player of the week by the NFL twice in his career.
• Most notable was a game in 1991 against the Saints, Billy Ray forced and recovered a fumble, intercepted a pass and had two pass breakups, to power the Chargers to a 24-21 win.
• All in all, Billy Ray Smith had a very solid and productive NFL career, playing 9 seasons for the Chargers retiring after the ’92 season.
• A dedicated philanthropist, Smith was dedicated to numerous charities across San Diego.
• He also became a media personality, commentator and color man for Fox Sports and for college football.

ACCOLADES:

• University of Arkansas Hall of Fame 1997
• University of Arkansas All-Decade Team 1980s
• University of Arkansas All-Century Team
• College Football Hall of Fame

NOTES:

One of the kindest players in the TTM business, Billy Ray Smith went out of his way to sign these 5 cards for me and write me a personal response, thanking me and praising me for sending him one of his best letters.

I am always blown away by when a player takes the time to respond personally to my requests, and this one was no different. Billy Ray Smith was a pretty solid player and I always thought his omission from Tecmo Super Bowl was a big slight.

For some reason I omitted sending Billy Ray his Action Packed card. Unfortunately I’ll never get a chance to get it signed by him.

I had no clue he was struggling with dementia. His decline took just 5 years from the point he responded to me to his passing.

TAC	SAC	FUM	INT	YDS	AVG	TD	LG
731	26.5	14	15	99	6.6	0	21

EPITAPH:

7/29/26- Statement from his family: It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of our beloved Billy Ray Smith Jr., who passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Billy Ray faced his long journey with dementia caused by CTE with unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength. -He was only 64 years old.