Bob Smith transformed from small-town Oklahoma quarterback into one of NFL Films' most celebrated cameramen, capturing professional football's most iconic moments over a four-decade career that helped revolutionize how America watches the game. Born in Stillwater, Oklahoma, Smith quarterbacked the Pioneers to their only state football championship in 1967, winning the Class 2A title. When new coach arrived and replaced him with best friend Rod Warner, Smith's football path took unexpected turn. Without scholarship money for college, he walked on at Northeastern A&M Junior College where coach Chuck Bowman gave him one of 13 available scholarships after tryout with 113 freshmen. Starting as fourth-team quarterback, Smith volunteered as kicker midway through 1969 season and kicked NEO all the way to juco national championship.
At Drake University (1971-1972), Smith served as kicker and backup quarterback while initially pursuing print journalism. Discovering television studio in basement...
