tackles during the 2008 season. On August 17, 2009, Smith's career as a Patriot came to an end when he was traded to the Denver Broncos on the last day of training camp. Smith ended his career with the Patriots totaling 28 tackles and 1 fumble recovery in 31 games played. Denver Broncos Smith was acquired by the Denver Broncos on August 17, 2009 along with a seventh-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft for the Broncos' fifth-round pick in the 2010 draft. Smith recorded 10 tackles and 1 sack during the 2009 season. He was released on September 7, 2010, re-signed in late October before being cut once more on November 9. Retirement During the 2011 lockout, Smith went to his doctor for a "random MRI test". Unfortunately, the doctor told Smith that he had sustained a neck injury and found 3 bulging spinal disc and spinal cord damage at his C3/C4. In April 2012 Smith had an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. Four months after surgery, Smith fully recovered from the neck fusion. Doctors said he could go back to physical training and exercise, but he could never play football again because he was a lineman and would put himself at too much risk of permanently damaging his spinal cord and cause Tetraplegia (Paralysis from the neck down). Smith informed the NFL about his retirement and is no longer a player for the league. References External links Denver Broncos bio New England Patriots bio Nebraska Cornhuskers bio 1982 births Living people Sportspeople from Macon, Georgia Players of American football from Georgia (U.S. state) American football defensive tackles American football defensive ends Nebraska Cornhuskers football players New England Patriots players Denver Broncos players