Jackie Smith

Widely known as one of the best tight ends in football, Jackie Smith is a former National League Football player who spent 15 years playing for the St. Louis Cardinals. Jackie was one of the best pass catchers, retiring with a record 7,918 receiving yards, 480 receptions, 40 career touchdowns and five straight Pro Bowls. In 1994 he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. His football career got off to a rough start in high school where he was plagued with numerous injuries that kept him off the field more than on. Through hard work and conditioning, he improved his strength and speed and overcame those injuries. During college at Northwestern Louisiana State University, his skills impressed a scout from the St. Louis Cardinals and he was chosen by the team in the 1963 draft. Speed and a competitive spirit led to him being a starter his rookie year and remained in that spot throughout his career with the Cardinals.

Jackie’s keen focus, hard work and determination was not only key to his success on the football field, but has led him into several business ventures. He went into the restaurant business opening Jackie’s Place, which quickly became a popular St. Louis favorite and Jackie Smith’s Louisiana Café. An avid fisherman since childhood, in the early 2000’s, Jackie helped develop an innovative fishing kayak for Hobie and became a successful brand ambassador for the company.

Recently, Jackie became involved in Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial America’s Vietnam Wall located in Perryville, Missouri. He joined the cause because he recognizes the need for veterans to have easy access to a place created in their honor where their sacrifice is acknowledged and appreciated. He continues to support the memorial and is committed to its expansion plans.

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