NFL Network will air its new documentary Jerry Smith: A Football Life, on Tuesday, January 21 at 9:00 PM ET. This documentary features the story of gay footballer, Jerry Smith. From 1965-77, Jerry Smith was a two-time Pro Bowl tight end for the Washington Redskins. At the time he retired, Smith held the record for the most touchdown receptions by a tight end in NFL history. Yet off the field, Smith lived with a personal secret he did not publicly share with his teammates.
“This guy was a tremendous football player. Tough as nails, great hands – just so dependable.” – Bobby Mitchell
The following topics are discussed in Jerry Smith: A Football Life:
• Smith’s successful playing career with the Washington Redskins, in which he retired with the record for the most career touchdowns by a tight end in NFL history
• His relationship with teammate Dave Kopay during their time with the Redskins and how it later became strained
• Comments from Redskins teammates on if they were aware of Smith’s sexual orientation
• Journalist Lynn Rosellini’s series in the Washington Star, in which Smith anonymously detailed the life of a gay professional athlete
• His death from AIDS
During the show, viewers will also have the opportunity to interact and offer their thoughts on Twitter by following @NFLNetwork and using the hashtag #AFootballLife. For more information on the show, please visit here.