Gerald "Jerry" Thomas Smith

Gerald "Jerry" Thomas Smith (1943 July 19 - 1986 October 15) was a professional football player, playing tight end for the NFL Washington Redskins from 1965-1977. Born in Livermore, California he was raised Roman Catholic.

Pro football career

Playing for Otto Graham and George Allen's Redskins, Smith had a stellar career. He played in the 1973 Super Bowl VII, and Sports Illustrated called him "an outstanding receiver among tight ends, with the ability to break open for a long gain." In his career Smith caught 421 passes, including 60 touchdowns, a record for Tight Ends at the time. He was named All-Pro twice and held several NFL records that stood for years.

Death

Smith died of AIDS on 15 October 1986. He was the first former professional athlete to die of the disease. Although he acknowledged that he had AIDS, he never publicly acknowledged his homosexual activities. Smith's sexuality was disclosed after his death by a friend, confidant, and former teammate, pro NFL football player David Kopay, who had come out of the closet years earlier.

Sources

• Brief history of gay athletes, ESPN
• Who was the first gay football player to play in the Super Bowl? Jim Provenzano, Baltimore OUTloud

This article is based on a GNU FDL LGBT Wikia article: Smith (football player) Jerry Smith (football player)

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