Former Oilers nose tackle Doug Smith dead at 64

The Tennessee Titans are mourning the loss of former Houston Oilers defensive tackle Doug Smith, as first reported by former sports director at KRIV Mark Berman. Smith was just 64.

“It was unexpected,” Smith’s wife, Becky, told Berman. “Two months ago, he got a clean bill of health for his heart. He went to his cardiologist and [the tests] came back his heart was good, but you know, we know even healthy people can have a heart attack.”

Smith started his professional career with the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL. The Houston Oilers selected him in the second round of the 1984 draft, but the two sides could not reach a contract agreement. When the USFL folded before the 1985 season, Smith ended up with the Oilers after all.

As a rookie in the USFL, Smith appeared in 17 games and recorded five sacks and one fumble recovery.

As an Oiler, Smith played in 101 games in eight seasons. He started 77 of those games, recording 14 sacks, one interception and five fumble recoveries.

The Titans family sends their condolences to the Smith family during this difficult time.