Don Smerek, a colorful personality and former defensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys during the 1980s, passed away from cancer at the age of 66, as reported by Calvin Watkins of the Dallas News.
Originally joining the Cowboys in 1981 after going undrafted from Nevada, Smerek made his mark in the NFL over seven seasons, participating in 69 games and tallying 14 ½ sacks.
Having begun his college football career at Nevada as a defensive end, Smerek’s talent earned him All-Big Sky recognition for his standout performance in the 1979 season. Despite being officially credited for seven seasons, Smerek dedicated his entire eight-year NFL tenure to the Cowboys, starting in four of the games he played. An injury during training camp in 1980 sidelined him for that season, after which he transitioned to playing defensive tackle.
