Antonio Smith

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Smith first joined the Houston Texans as an unrestricted free agent, signed to replace the released Anthony Weaver. In 2011, he went to his first career Pro Bowl, replacing the New England Patriots' Andre Carter who was unable to play due to injury. In 2013, Smith was suspended for week one after an incident in the preseason in which he removed Miami Dolphins lineman Richie Incognito's helmet and swung it at him. On November 29, 2013, he was fined $15,750 for hitting Jacksonville Jaguars' quarterback Chad Henne in the head and neck region. After a stint with the Oakland Raiders and a Super Bowl 50 victory with the Denver Broncos, Smith initially decided to retire. He was then contacted by his former team, the Houston Texans, and decided to return for one more season. On September 28, 2016, Smith was signed by the Texans. After the season, he would retire for good.

In Their Own Story

The call came after the confetti had settled and the Super Bowl 50 trophy was hoisted. Antonio Smith, having just won a championship with the Denver Broncos, had decided to retire. But his former team, the Houston Texans, reached out. On September 28, 2016, Smith signed with the Texans for one more season. It was a return to the franchise where he had made his first Pro Bowl in 2011, replacing Andre Carter. That season, he had been a steady presence, though not without controversy: in 2013, he was suspended for week one after a preseason incident where he removed Miami Dolphins lineman Richie Incognito's helmet and swung it at him, and later that year he was fined $15,750 for hitting Jacksonville Jaguars' quarterback Chad Henne in the head and neck region. Now, back in Houston, he would finish his career where it had taken off.

Reader's Guide

Antonio Smith played for the Houston Texans in two separate stints. His first stint began when he was signed as an unrestricted free agent to replace Anthony Weaver. During this time, he earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2011, replacing Andre Carter. He was suspended for week one of the 2013 season after a preseason altercation with Richie Incognito, and later fined $15,750 for a hit on Chad Henne. After playing for the Oakland Raiders and winning Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos, Smith initially retired. However, he was contacted by the Texans and signed on September 28, 2016, for one final season before retiring for good.

Did You Know?

• Smith won Super Bowl 50 as a member of the Denver Broncos, defeating the Carolina Panthers 24–10.
• He was suspended for week one of the 2013 season after removing Miami Dolphins lineman Richie Incognito's helmet and swinging it at him during a preseason game.
• Smith's father died 4 days before Super Bowl 50 due to heart surgery complications.
• Following his retirement, Smith returned to his native Oklahoma and became a rancher, raising rabbits, horses, and cattle.
• Smith, along with his sister Antwonette, founded Smith's Little People With Big Challenges Foundation to fight childhood obesity.