Robert Vinson Smith (born July 3, 1965), is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints. He played college football at East Carolina University. He won Super Bowl XXVII with Dallas over the Buffalo Bills. Early years Smith attended Statesville High School. As a senior, he received All-state honors at defensive tackle in football and also in baseball. He accepted a football scholarship from East Carolina University. As a sophomore, he was a backup defensive lineman and posted 2 interceptions. As a junior, he was converted into an inside linebacker and became a starter, leading the team with 116 tackles. As a senior, he collected 118 tackles (led the team) and 2 interceptions. Smith finished his college career with 294 tackles, 4 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries. In 2003, he was inducted into the East Carolina University Athletics Hall of Fame. Professional career Atlanta Falcons Smith was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons after the 1988 NFL Draft on May 2. On August 29, he was placed on the injured reserve list with an elbow injury. He was activated on November 5, but only played in 3 games. On December 10, he was placed on the injured reserve list for the last 2 weeks of the season. Pittsburgh Steelers On February 28, 1989, he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a Plan B free agent. He broke his right foot during preseason and was placed on the injured reserve list on August 29. Dallas Cowboys (first stint) Although he didn't have many regular season games, Jimmy Johnson and Dave Wannstedt remembered his playing days at East Carolina University, and signed him as a Plan B free agent on March 3, 1990. He played mainly on special teams. He replaced an injured Ken Norton Jr. at weakside linebacker in the 15th game against the Philadelphia Eagles. That performance earned him his first career start and game MVP honors, in the team's next game against the Atlanta Falcons, when he had 11 tackles and recovered one fumble. He finished the season with 22 special teams tackles (second on the team), 23 defensive tackles, 2 fumble recovered and one forced fumble. In 1991, he started 12 games at weakside linebacker, although he contracted hepatitis, which forced the team to place him on injured