| January 19, 2004 | « Previous Story | HOME | Next Story » | Posted at 07:18 PM |
As strong as an ox and as talkative as Oprah, Fred Smerlas was one of the most celebrated defensive linemen to ever wear a buffalo on his helmet. A two-time All-New England tackle at Boston College, Smerlas was disappointed to slip to the second round of the 1979 NFL draft. Lean years beset the team in the mid-1980s, but Smerlas persevered through them all, earning five Pro-Bowl appearances and All-Pro selections from 1982 to 1986. In 1988, the veteran Smerlas factored heavily in a Bills' defense which propelled the team to the first of four consecutive American Football Conference Eastern Division championships. Perhaps the single play for which Fred is best remembered was his block of a potential game-winning field goal by the New York Jets on the day the Bills eventually prevailed in overtime to clinch the 1988 Division crown.
Buzzard's Hall Of Fame - Where are they now - Buffalo Sports Hall Of Fame - Career stats
