NFL Legend, Bubba Smith Found Dead
Former NFL star and "Police Academy" actor Bubba Smith was found dead Wednesday at his Los Angeles home, according to police and coroner's office officials. He was 66.
The LA County coroner's office said it has not determined a cause of death, but officials believe he died of natural causes.
Smith was found at his home on Sunlight Place in Baldwin Hills by a caretaker, police said.
The top overall pick in the 1967 draft after a sensational career at Michigan State, Smith spent five seasons with the Baltimore Colts and two seasons each with Oakland and Houston. He won the 1971 Super Bowl with the Colts.
One of the most feared defensive ends in the game, Smith often drew two blockers, yet was effective enough to make two Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team. His best work actually came in college, and Smith was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988.
Smith played for his father, Willie Ray Smith, in Beaumont, Texas, before heading to Michigan State, where he was an All-American in 1966.
As an actor, his most memorable role was playing Moses Hightower, the soft-spoken officer in the ''Police Academy'' series.
Smith was a regular in the groundbreaking Miller Lite commercials featuring retired athletes.
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