Akili Smith - Career Overview

Position: Quarterback (QB)
Date of Birth: August 21, 1975

Career History

• Cincinnati Bengals (1999 - 2002)

Career Highlights and Accomplishments

• Drafted 3rd overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1999 NFL Draft.
• Played in a total of 22 games during his NFL career.
• Started in 11 games for the Bengals in 2000, where he recorded his best season stats.
• In 2000, he threw for 1,406 yards, with 5 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
• Known for his strong arm and athleticism, Akili Smith was considered a promising quarterback prospect coming out of college.

College Career

• Played college football at the University of Oregon, where he had a standout career.
• In his final season at Oregon, he threw for 3,333 yards and 30 touchdowns, earning him recognition as a top quarterback.

Post-NFL Career

• After his time in the NFL, Akili Smith faced challenges in maintaining a career in football.
• He has since been involved in various community service projects and youth coaching initiatives.

Akili Smith was a highly touted quarterback when he was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals as the third overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. Despite the high expectations, his professional career was marked by struggles to find consistent performance on the field. After leaving the Bengals in 2002, he has remained a notable figure in discussions about quarterback prospects and the challenges of transitioning from college to the NFL.