Robert Smith Net Worth

What is Robert Smith's net worth?

Robert Smith is an American professional football player who has a net worth of $10 million.

Robert Smith stands as one of the NFL's most intriguing talents – a star running back who walked away from football at the peak of his powers. During his eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings (1993-2000), Smith established himself as one of the league's premier rushers, accumulating 6,818 career rushing yards. His unique combination of explosive speed, vision, and intelligence made him a constant threat to defenses. Smith's career reached its zenith in his final season when he led the NFC with 1,521 rushing yards and earned his second Pro Bowl selection. Yet in a move that shocked the football world, Smith announced his retirement at just 28 years old. By retiring, Robert walked away from a $25 million contract extension. His brief but brilliant career remains one of football's great "what if" stories.

Contracts & Career Earnings

In 1997, Robert singed a one-year, $1.1 million deal with the Vikings. In 1998, he signed a five-year, $25 million contract. He likely earned around $30 million during his career, but, as we mentioned a moment ago, Robert walked away from a $25 million deal that was essentially in hand, when he abruptly retired in 2000.

Early Life and College Career

Born May 17, 1972, in Euclid, Ohio, Robert Smith demonstrated exceptional athletic ability from an early age. At Euclid High School, he excelled not only in football but also in track and field, establishing himself as one of Ohio's most promising young athletes. Smith's academic prowess matched his athletic talents, making him a highly sought-after recruit.

Smith chose to attend Ohio State University, where his college career proved both promising and tumultuous. As a freshman in 1990, he rushed for 1,126 yards, setting an Ohio State freshman rushing record and earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors. However, his time at Ohio State was marked by conflict with the coaching staff, particularly over the balance between academics and athletics. After sitting out the 1991 season due to these disagreements, Smith returned in 1992 before declaring for the NFL Draft.

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NFL Career with the Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings selected Smith with the 21st overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft. His early professional years were plagued by injuries, limiting his impact during his first three seasons. Between 1993 and 1995, Smith played in just 24 of a possible 48 games, raising questions about his durability.

The turning point came in 1996 when Smith finally stayed healthy for a full season, rushing for 1,073 yards. This marked the beginning of five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, establishing Smith as one of the NFL's most consistent performers. He became known for his explosive, big-play ability, leading the league in yards per carry in 1997 with an impressive 5.5 average.

Smith's vision, patience, and acceleration made him particularly effective in Minnesota's offense alongside quarterback Randall Cunningham and receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss. The 1998 Vikings, who finished 15-1 in the regular season, featured one of the most potent offenses in NFL history, with Smith contributing 1,187 rushing yards.

(Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Unexpected Retirement and Legacy

In 2000, at age 28, Smith delivered his finest season, rushing for 1,521 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns. As an unrestricted free agent following this career year, Smith was positioned to sign one of the largest contracts for a running back in NFL history. Instead, he shocked the football world by announcing his retirement.

Smith's decision to walk away from the game while still in his prime separated him from most professional athletes. He cited a desire to pursue medical school and concerns about long-term health as primary factors in his decision. Unlike many athletes forced into retirement by declining skills or injuries, Smith left entirely on his own terms.

His legacy includes 6,818 rushing yards, 32 touchdowns, a career average of 4.8 yards per carry, and two Pro Bowl selections. Smith's intellectual approach to football and life beyond the game has made him a respected voice in retirement, where he has worked as a football analyst and remained involved in various charitable endeavors, including medical research.

Robert Smith's career reminds us that true success sometimes means knowing when to walk away, even when conventional wisdom suggests otherwise.

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