Aug 30, 2026 · 5 min · 6 segments
In today's episode, we discuss the legendary career of former Seattle Seahawks running back Sherman Smith. Following an outstanding college career at Miami University in Ohio, Smith was selected in…
Ankit ChughHost
But then Smith met Miami of Ohio's head coach Bill Mallory, and everything changed.
Promised an opportunity to be the team's signal caller, Smith packed his bags for Oxford, where he'd thrive as an option quarterback, helping lead Miami to three consecutive conference titles while rushing for 2,187 yards, passing for 1,013, and accounting for over 20 touchdowns.
His versatility caught the attention of the Seahawks, who selected him in the second round of the 1976 draft.
At 6'4", 225 pounds, Seattle initially envisioned him as a wide receiver, but head coach Jack Pitera ultimately converted him to running back.
Though Smith was a running quarterback in college, learning the nuances of his new position was no small task, especially at the pro level.
Fortunately for him and Seattle, he developed quickly and separated himself from the many others vying for the same role.
With it being the franchise's inaugural season, Smith was able to help shape the identity of the offense while creating a foundation for the running back room.
He'd quickly become known for his physical running style as well as his soft hands, giving mobile quarterback Jim Zorn another option in the passing game alongside wide receivers Steve Largent and Sam McCollum.
Smith finished his rookie campaign with 537 rushing yards, 36 receptions, 384 receiving yards, and 5 total touchdowns in 12 games.
He'd build off that success in year two, piling up 1,182 scrimmage yards, the 10th most in the league, and making six trips to the end zone.
Seattle improved from two and 12 to five and nine and continued making strides in year three, finishing nine and seven in 1978.
Smith provided 805 yards on the ground, 366 through the air, and seven scores that season, but managed to raise the bar again in 1979.
His 1,274 scrimmage yards and 15 combined touchdowns would be career highs and help Seattle finish with a winning record once again.
But then Smith met Miami of Ohio's head coach Bill Mallory, and everything changed.
Promised an opportunity to be the team's signal caller, Smith packed his bags for Oxford, where he'd thrive as an option quarterback, helping lead Miami to three consecutive conference titles while rushing for 2,187 yards, passing for 1,013, and accounting for over 20 touchdowns.
His versatility caught the attention of the Seahawks, who selected him in the second round of the 1976 draft.
At 6'4", 225 pounds, Seattle initially envisioned him as a wide receiver, but head coach Jack Pitera ultimately converted him to running back.
Though Smith was a running quarterback in college, learning the nuances of his new position was no small task, especially at the pro level.
Fortunately for him and Seattle, he developed quickly and separated himself from the many others vying for the same role.
With it being the franchise's inaugural season, Smith was able to help shape the identity of the offense while creating a foundation for the running back room.
He'd quickly become known for his physical running style as well as his soft hands, giving mobile quarterback Jim Zorn another option in the passing game alongside wide receivers Steve Largent and Sam McCollum.
Smith finished his rookie campaign with 537 rushing yards, 36 receptions, 384 receiving yards, and 5 total touchdowns in 12 games.
He'd build off that success in year two, piling up 1,182 scrimmage yards, the 10th most in the league, and making six trips to the end zone.
Seattle improved from two and 12 to five and nine and continued making strides in year three, finishing nine and seven in 1978.
Smith provided 805 yards on the ground, 366 through the air, and seven scores that season, but managed to raise the bar again in 1979.
His 1,274 scrimmage yards and 15 combined touchdowns would be career highs and help Seattle finish with a winning record once again.
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