Former Raiders fullback Steve Smith succumbs to Lou Gehrig's Disease
He was 57 years old.
Some sad news to report from the NFL word this evening.
Former Oakland Raiders fullback Steve Smith has succumbed to ALS, better known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, at the age of 57. He had originally been diagnosed with the disease in 2002 and wasn't able to talk or walk in recent years.
The Raiders announced the passing, calling him an inspiration for "smiling every day while always working for a cure for" amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Smith captained the Penn State Nittany Lions to their most recent national championship in 1986 and was soon drafted in the third round of the 1987 NFL Draft by the Raiders. In seven seasons with Oakland, he ran for 1,627 yards and nine touchdowns. He would also spend two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.
