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Brigade to honor Neil Smith with number retirement

March 7, 2006 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Kansas City Brigade News Release


The Kansas City Brigade is thrilled to announce that the team will honor part-owner and former Chiefs great Neil Smith for his contributions to sports and the Kansas City community. Smith's iconic number 90 will be retired in a ceremony during halftime of the Brigade's Monday night game (March 13, at 7pm) against the Philadelphia Soul at Kemper Arena. A black banner featuring Smith's white number filled in with sky blue will be raised to the rafter's alongside the AFL 20 Seasons banner.

Smith became an owner/investor in the franchise in July 2004 after conversations with Brigade owner Tyler Prochnow and General Manager Reggie Harris. Smith got rave reviews from friends and AFL owners John Elway and Ron Jaworksi, as well as Brigade head coach Kevin Porter, a Chiefs teammate after they were the first and second draft picks of the team in 1988. Smith was immediately pressed into the role of spokesman to convince the AFL that Kansas City is the right place for an expansion team, which as evidenced by the attendance and popularity was a great move.

Smith's role on the Brigade is diverse. He is involved in community relations, corporate sponsorship, and football operations, working with the defensive line. Smith is not new to a football team's front office, however. He spent the summer of 2003 as an intern in the Denver Broncos training camp to learn the operations of football and what coaches do off the field to run a team.

A member of the legendary Blackshirts at the University of Nebraska, Smith spent 13 years in the NFL with the Chiefs and Broncos. He earned two Super Bowl rings, six Pro Bowl selections and has the honor of being one of only 22 players to record 100 career sacks. Last Saturday, Smith was inducted into the Kansas City Chiefs Ring of Honor and will have his name and number placed around the suite level with other Chiefs greats at Arrowhead Stadium next fall.

A businessman since his retirement after the 2002 season, he owns Neil Smith's Copeland's, the Kansas City franchise of Al Copeland's famous New Orleans restaurant. Smith worked for Copeland, the founder of Popeye's Chicken, as a child in New Orleans. He also has been heavily involved in the non-profit sector continuing the work of close friend and former teammate Derrick Thomas. As spokesman and director of the Neil Smith and Derrick Thomas Third-and-Long Program, Smith helps lead the fight against illiteracy in the inner city.

In a more relaxing pursuit Smith has tested his coaching skills in Pop Warner football by taking the seven-and-eight-year old Green Gators of Blue Springs to a Truman Super Bowl title. In addition to various appearances and speeches, Smith has devoted himself as a hands-on father to his four children.

At halftime of the Soul versus Brigade game, former quarterback Ron Jaworski, who finished his career along side Smith, who was a rookie, with the Chiefs and spent 16 years in the NFL, will emcee the ceremony. Smith will say a few words to the crowd before forever be cemented in the annals of the Kansas City Brigade. No other player will wear the #90 for the team. Replica #90 Brigade jerseys will also be available for sale to fans in the near future.

Quote from former Nebraska Head Coach and now Rep. Tom Osborne (NE-03)

"When I recruited Neil Smith out of McDonough 35 High School in New Orleans, I was immediately impressed by his attitude, character and determination. However, at around 210 pounds as a freshman, he was small for a defensive lineman in the Big Eight Conference.

"By his senior year, Neil's hard work built him into a 6'5," 260-pound All-American at Nebraska, a player with speed and skill. His selection as number two overall in the 1988 NFL draft was the start of a successful pro career that earned him two Super Bowl rings.

"Despite his accomplishments, his material success never went to his head. He has taken good care of his family, and has given back to the community in many ways, including his involvement with the "Yes, I Can" Foundation for Exceptional Children. Neil has set a fine example not only as an accomplished athlete, but also as a good role model."

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