Vinson Smith

Year Inducted: 2016

Statesville High School football legend Vinson Smith is among the best linebackers to ever play at ECU. As a junior and senior, Smith led East Carolina in total tackles in 1986 and '87. In 1986, Smith tallied 116 total tackles and followed that season with a 118-tackle campaign in 1987. In 2003, he was inducted into East Carolina’s Hall of Fame.

Smith signed with the Atlanta Falcons in 1988 and spent 12 years in the NFL. He was a starting linebacker of the Dallas Cowboys in their Super Bowl win in 1993. He is considered the greatest #57 in Cowboys history, finishing his career Top 50 in franchise tackles. He also played for the Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints.

Every year since 1984, one player from each NFL team is voted by their teammates to be honored with the Ed Block Award for their courage and inspiration throughout the season. The recipients stand as role models for their ability to overcome adversity while serving their respective communities. Statesville’s very own Vinson Smith was honored by his Chicago Bears teammates with this prestigious award in 1995.

A Vinson Smith sack of Washington Redskins quarterback Mark Rypien:

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