Legendary Houston Oilers Mainstay Suddenly Dead at 64-Years-Old

While the Houston Oilers are no longer a part of the NFL, the legacy created by their players and coaches is still an important part of NFL history.

Although the Oilers only show up in the modern era when the Tennessee Titans decide to wear throwback uniforms, the influence of the players and coaches who defined the organization bubble to the surface every NFL season.

Legendary Houston Oilers DT Doug Smith passed away

Former defensive tackle for the Houston Oilers Doug Smith suddenly passed away at 64-years-old.

According to Smith’s wife Becky in an article from Pro Football Talk, Smith suffered from a heart attack despite a clean bill of health from his cardiologist.

“It was unexpected,” Smith’s wife, Becky, told Berman. “Two months ago, he got a clean bill of health for his heart. He went to his cardiologist and [the tests] came back his heart was good, but you know we know even healthy people can have a heart attack.”

Houston Oilers DT Doug Smith originally played in the USFL

While Smith’s numbers as a defensive tackle throughout his career don’t tell the whole story of how much he contributed to the field, as is the case with most interior defensive linemen, his decision to start his career in the USFL permanently left his mark in the football history books.

Instead of heading to the NFL for his rookie season, Smith chose to sign with the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL, despite being selected in the second round of the 1984 NFL Draft by the Oilers.

Smith, who played for the Auburn Tigers in college, ended up signing a four-year, $1.2 million deal with a $350,000 signing bonus to play with the Stallions. Smith immediately made waves in the USFL claiming All-USFL honors as a rookie with five sacks, which would end up being more than he ever had in a season during his time in the NFL.

The USFL did not have a 1985 season, forcing Smith to head to the Oilers of the NFL, where he was originally drafted. Smith became a consistent interior defensive lineman for the Oilers, recording 14 sacks throughout the course of his career before retiring after the 1992 season at 32-years-old.

Smith even powered through a gunshot to the knee in 1990, continuing to play for the Oilers despite being shot near his childhood home in North Carolina.

Fan condolences for Houston Oilers DT Doug Smith flooded social media

Despite taking on a role that could cause him to drift off into obscurity, many fans took to social media to express their condolences for the passing of Smith upon hearing of the 64-year-old’s sudden heart attack.

Smith’s consistency throughout an eight-year span with the Oilers has cemented his legacy among many football fans.

Well, I guess the news is out

I was informed today of the passing of Doug Smith by his son Doug, Jr

This is very sad news. Please keep @CoachDougSmith_ and his whole family in your prayers

RIP Doug 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/tVNhITyi9J

— 𝕃𝕦𝕧 𝕐𝕒 𝔹𝕝𝕦𝕖 (@BudsOilers) July 26, 2024

Doug Smith (June 13, 1960-July 25, 2024)

RIP 🙏🏻🕊️ pic.twitter.com/lgD3GDqaL0

— 𝕃𝕦𝕧 𝕐𝕒 𝔹𝕝𝕦𝕖 (@BudsOilers) July 26, 2024

Per sources, former NFL & Houston Oilers, DT, Doug Smith, has passed. He was 64. This is a developing story. pic.twitter.com/T0b5b9CVRB

— Nate Griffin (@NateGriffFOX26) July 26, 2024

We’re saddened to learn of the passing of University of Auburn standout and former Houston Oiler Doug Smith. Our condolences go out to Smith’s family and friends at this time 🙏🏾#RIP #LuvYaBlue pic.twitter.com/wzTq0NNC8Y

— Four Verts 🏈 (@FourVerticals_) July 26, 2024

Got a couple of calls about the passing of former Houston Oiler Doug Smith. He was always fun to be around and always nice to me. That was Haywood’s North Carolina homeboy. They were tight. Condolences to his family and friends. God bless them all. #RIP99

— Devan Wade (@wadesword) July 26, 2024

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