Wide Receiver for NFL's Buffalo Bills since 2011
Drafted By New York Jets in 2006 NFL Draft
Played Football at University of Missouri
Founder, True Foundation football camp, held at Youngstown State University
Married, Rosalynn
Son, Bradley (2 years old)
Guest
Brad Smith: Faith and Football in Buffalo
GROWING UP
Brad was raised in a Christian home in Youngstown, OH. His mom would take him and his other siblings to church. At age 11 or 12, Brad gave his life to the Lord. “My parents provided me a strong foundation to grow from. However the faith of my family wasn’t enough,” says Brad. “I needed to get to know the Lord myself.” He wasn’t spending time in prayer or reading his Bible. “I had a strong desire,” says Brad. “I just had to experience things for myself.”
He played football in high school throwing for over 2,700 yards in his career and 34 touchdowns. Brad went to college at the University of Missouri and established himself as one of the elite quarterbacks in college football becoming only the second playing in Division 1-A football history to ever pass for 2,020 yards and rush for 1,000. He received numerous national and Big 12 Conference freshman honors and led the Missouri Tigers to a 5-7 record. His sophomore year their record was 8-5 and made their first bowl appearance since 1998. In 2004, Missouri’s record dropped to 5-6. The next year, Brad led the Tigers to a 7-5 record, his second Independence Bowl in 3 years and his first Missouri bowl win in 7 years.
During his college years, Brad says he continued to grow spiritually. “Football is just something God gave me to do,” says Brad. “I get to do something I love to do to reach people that don’t normally hear the Gospel.” Brad was the 103rd overall selection in the 2006 NFL draft. The New York Jets drafted Brad as a Wide Receiver/Running Back/Quarterback in the fourth round. He was signed by the New York Jets on 2006 as a Wide Receiver/Quarterback. In July 2011, Brad signed a four-year contract with the Buffalo Bills.
GIVING BACK
Brad founded True Foundation 3 years ago as a way help kids in the community. It initially started as a football camp. “I wanted to give back,” says Brad. The non-profit organization helps hundreds of kids learn teamwork, discipline and football fundamentals. Current and former NFL players teach the kids, ages 8-14, at Youngstown State University’s stadium. True Foundation helps kids learn life skills and help them achieve a sense of community. For more information, please visit: www.TrueFoundation16.org
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