Bubba Smith was found dead at his home in L.A. yesterday. According to police, the former NFL lineman appeared to have died from natural causes but an autopsy is expected to be performed.

After becoming the No. 1 overall draft pick by the Baltimore Colts in 1967, Bubba became one of the game’s best pass rushers and earned a Super Bowl ring during the 1970-71 season.

Known for his towering height of 6ft-7 and ability to put stains in the shorts of opposing quarterbacks, Smith played a total of nine seasons in the NFL.

Although he was born to play football, Bubba found another talent after retiring from the NFL, going on to have a decent career as a film and television actor in Los Angeles.

Although he played several roles throughout his acting career, Bubba is best known for playing the part of Moses Hightower, the gentle giant police rookie in the “Police Academy” films.

In all, Smith starred in six of those Police Academy films while also making appearances in television shows like “Charlie’s Angels,” “Married With Children” and “Good Times.”

Smith leaves our planet with a reputation of being a monster on the field but gentle giant off of it.

Well-respected by his peers and fans alike, Hightower will R.I.P.

Used with permission of the author.

Jay Donetelli is a Tampa-based freelance sportswriter and contributor to Sports Climax. With an opinion sharper than an Ovechkin skate blade with the sting of an Ali jab, Donetelli has a loyal cult of readers who have found a way to love him.

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