Bubba Smith
Bubba Smith
Defensive End

Bubba Smith

"He's really an actor masking as a football player." - Upton Bell

Bubba Smith was a 6-foot-7, 265-pound defensive lineman who made two Pro Bowls with the Colts in the early 1970s. But he became better known for his portrayal of Moses Hightower, a florist-turned cop, in six Police Academy movies during the 1980s. A Texas native, Smith was the first overall pick in the 1967 NFL Draft and, with his exceptional pass-rushing ability, helped the 1970 Colts win a Super Bowl. He played two seasons in Oakland, like several future actors of that era did, before retiring after the 1976 season following a stint with the Oilers. After nine years in pro football, Smith – who had an off-the-field reputation as a gentle giant – became an actor. In addition to the Police Academy series, he appeared in TV shows including “Married with Children” and “Taxi,” and starred alongside Dick Butkus in Miller Lite commercials. In 2011, at age 66, Smith died after overdosing on a weight loss drug.