This past August, we tragically lost a gentle giant in Bubba Smith. Perhaps the greatest Michigan State player ever. The “Kill, Bubba, Kill” chant is etched within Spartans and college football lore. Later, Smith made his mark through the Colts and the Police Academy movies.
And when you see the tremendous amount of awards and trophies left behind in his estate, you see just how much he accomplished in his short life.
The estate sale includes the 2007 Bronko Nagurski Legends Award, Senior Bowl trophy, signed passports and Pro Bowl trophies.
It will all be auctioned at Nate D. Sanders’ Tuesday November 8th.
Smith was the first player to be awarded the Bronko Nagurski Legends Award by the Charlotte Touchdown Club. The 1967 Senior Bowl trophy commemorates his induction into the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame.
The 1971 and 1972 Pro Bowl Golden Helmet Awards were given to Smith after he was selected to the Pro Bowl.
On September 23, 2006, Smith’s number was retired at halftime of the Spartans’ contest against Notre Dame commemorating the 40th anniversary of the infamous 1966 10-10 tie between #1 Michigan State and #2 Notre Dame. That night, Smith wore an enormous orange jacket and Michigan State cap, both which are being auctioned.
Also up for grabs are two passports signed “Charles ‘Bubba’ Smith.”
The All-American defensive lineman led the Spartans to the 1965 UPI National Championship and a share of the 1966 National Football Foundation title. He was the first pick overall by the Baltimore Colts in the 1967 draft and was twice selected to the Pro Bowl before a knee injury derailed his career.
The auction ends Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 5 pm Pacific Standard Time. Bids can be placed online or by phone at 310-440-2982.
Additional information on Smith’s memorabilia can be found here
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, a Google News site generating millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports.
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