Former Utah, NFL WR Named To Pac-12’s Inaugural Football Alumni Council

Dec 20, 2021, 9:48 AM

9 Sep 2000: Steve Smith #7 of the Utah Utes runs with the ball during the game against the California Golden Bears at the Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California. The Golden Bears defeated the Utes 24-21.(Credit: Tom Hauck /Allsport/Getty Images)

(Credit: Tom Hauck /Allsport/Getty Images)

BY KYLE IRELAND

Sports Producer & Locals in the NFL Insider

SALT LAKE CITY – The Pac-12 Conference announced that former Utah Utes and NFL wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. was named as a member of the league’s inaugural Football Alumni Council.

The Pac-12 announced the formation of its first-ever alumni council on Monday, December 20.

The council’s purpose is to bring “together former and current football star student-athletes and coaches from all 12 universities to support Pac-12 football strategy and promotion efforts.”

“The Pac-12 consistently produces high performing and marquee NFL players along with former football student-athletes who go on to incredibly successful careers both within and beyond the gridiron,” Pac-12 senior associate commissioner for football operations Merton Hanks said in a statement. “We are committed to building deeper relationships with our football alumni through substantive engagement on football matters. Our Pac-12 Football Alumni Council boasts unmatched football knowledge and national fan followings, and we look forward to working with them to support Pac-12 football across both promotional and strategic levels.”

The Pac-12 announced today the formation of its first-ever #Pac12FB Alumni Council, bringing together former and current football star student-athletes and coaches from all 12 universities to support Pac-12 football strategy and promotion efforts.#BackThePac

— Pac-12 Conference (@pac12) December 20, 2021

Pac-12 Football Alumni Council Members

Smith is one of 24 members of the group. The former NFL great is currently the only former Ute on the council. The Pac-12 plans to expand the number of alumni in the council in the future.

Scooby Wright (Arizona)
Brandon Sanders (Arizona)
Eric Allen (Arizona State)
Justin Forsett (Cal)
Shane Vereen (Cal)
Alex Mack (Cal)
Chad Brown (Colorado)
Mike Pritchard (Colorado)
Mike Bellotti (Oregon)
Tyrell Crosby (Oregon)
Steven Jackson (Oregon State)
Brandin Cooks (Oregon State)
Toby Gerhart (Stanford)
Zach Ertz (Stanford)
Toi Cook (Stanford)
Johnathan Franklin (UCLA)
Marcedes Lewis (UCLA)
Derrick Deese (USC)
Tim McDonald (USC)
Steve Smith (Utah)
Lincoln Kennedy (Washington)
Brock Huard (Washington)
Dana Hall (Washington)
Jack Thompson (Washington State)

About Steve Smith

Smith, a native of Los Angeles, started his college career at Santa Monica College. Following two seasons at Santa Monica, Smith transferred to the University of Utah.

He played for the Utes from 1999-2000. Utah was a member of the Mountain West Conference at the time of Smith’s attendance. During his two seasons at Utah, Smith had 78 catches for 1,603 yards and 12 touchdowns.

.@Utah_Football legend Steve Smith went back to his old high school job at Taco Bell before starting his new job at NFL Network #Utes pic.twitter.com/7smfXeEdTm

— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) September 7, 2017

After his time in Salt Lake City, Smith was selected by the Carolina Panthers during the third round of the 2001 NFL Draft.

Smith helped the Panthers reach Super Bowl XXXVIII in his third season in the league.

He played for Carolina until 2013.

Smith finished his professional career as a member of the Baltimore Ravens from 2014-16.

And Steve Smith Sr, rocking the Utah Utes swag, back and ready. 39 receptions away from 1,000 for career. pic.twitter.com/aY6yYf7SRH

— Pete Gilbert (@WBALPete) September 11, 2016

Smith ended his 16-year career with 1,031 receptions for 14,731 yards and 81 touchdowns. He added 57 carries for 387 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

"Ice up son!" 🥶

Steve Smith was so cold with the @Panthers. (via @nflthrowback)

📺: #ATLvsCAR — TONIGHT 8pm ET on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO⁣⁣⁣⁣
📱: https://t.co/W5bCPYgMfo pic.twitter.com/PKrtGnmuzO

— NFL (@NFL) October 29, 2020

During and after his outstanding NFL career, Smith earned the following accolades:

NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2005)
Two-time first-team All-Pro (2001, 2005)
Second-team All-Pro (2008)
Five-time Pro Bowl (2001, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011)
NFL receptions co-leader (2005)
NFL receiving yards leader (2005)
NFL receiving touchdowns co-leader (2005)
Carolina Panthers Hall of Honor

Smith is currently an analyst for NFL Network.

Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).

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