Per Calvin Watkins of the Dallas News, former defensive lineman Don Smerek died of cancer at the age of 66.
“Don Smerek, a Cowboys defensive lineman from the 1980s with a vibrant personality, died on March 16 from cancer.
He was 66.
Smerek joined the Cowboys in 1981 as an undrafted free agent from Nevada. In seven seasons, he played 69 games and recorded 14 ½ sacks.”
The Dallas Cowboys signed Don Smerek in 1980
Smerek played college football for Nevada as a defensive end. He earned All-Big Sky honors for his play in the 1979 season.
Smerek played his entire eight-year NFL career with the Cowboys, even though he only is credited on the stat sheet for seven seasons. He started in four of the 69 games he played in. He missed the 1980 season due to an injury in training camp. Smerek moved to defensive tackle following the 1980 season.
Related: Former Cowboys linebacker retires due to health reasons
For More Football News:
Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at jordanmsigler@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and NFL news, click here!