Former Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Mark Smith has died. He was 51 years old.
Before beginning his [NFL](https://www.pennlive.com/topic/nfl/) career, Smith played at Auburn in 1995 and 1996 and was a starting defensive lineman for the Tigers. He helped Auburn to an 8-4 mark in both seasons.
Prior to that, Smith earned NJCAA All-American honors at Hinds Community College.
After starring on the Tigers’ defensive line, Mark Smith was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round of the 1997 NFL Draft.
He spent four seasons with the Cardinals and two with the Browns before being released by Cleveland after six years in the National Football League.
“He was a tremendous person. A nice person,” former Vicksburg High football coach Alonzo Stevens told the [Vicksburg Post](https://www.vicksburgpost.com/sports/mark-smith-vicksburg-native-and-former-nfl-star-dies-at-age-51). “He had a beautiful smile and he always had time to talk to the kids. He would always help me and the kids. He was a Vicksburger. We loved him.”
Mark Smith appeared in 67 games over the course of his NFL career, making 35 starts. He recorded 191 tackles and 20 sacks during that time.
Smith’s best season came in 1998 with the Cardinals when he had 72 tackles and a career-high 9 sacks.