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{{Short description|American football player (born 1957)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2023}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
{{Infobox NFL biography
|name=Fred Smerlas
|name=Fred Smerlas
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|position=[[Nose tackle]]
|position=[[Nose tackle]]
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1957|4|8|mf=y}}
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1957|4|8|mf=y}}
|birth_place=[[Waltham, Massachusetts]]
|birth_place=[[Waltham, Massachusetts]], U.S.
|height_ft=6
|height_ft=6
|height_in=3
|height_in=4
|weight_lbs=277
|weight_lbs=295
|high_school=
|high_school= [[Waltham High School|Waltham]]

⚫
* Two Time, Two sport All American in Wrestling and Football in High School
|college=[[Boston College Eagles football|Boston College]]
|college=[[Boston College Eagles football|Boston College]]
|draftyear=1979
|draftyear=1979
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* [[New England Patriots]] ({{NFL Year|1991}}–{{NFL Year|1992}})
* [[New England Patriots]] ({{NFL Year|1991}}–{{NFL Year|1992}})
|highlights=
|highlights=
* 5× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[1981 Pro Bowl|1980]]–[[1984 Pro Bowl|1983]], [[1989 Pro Bowl|1988]]), Alternate in 1987, 1989
* 5× [[All-Pro]] ([[1980 All-Pro Team|1980]], [[1981 All-Pro Team|1981]], [[1982 All-Pro Team|1982]], [[1983 All-Pro Team|1983]], [[1988 All-Pro Team|1988]])
* 5× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[1981 Pro Bowl|1980]]–[[1983 Pro Bowl|1983]], [[1989 Pro Bowl|1988]])
* 1979 All Rookie Team
* [[Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team|PFWA All-Rookie Team]] ([[Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team#1979|1979]])

⚫
* [[Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame]]
* 1980 Runner up for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year
⚫
* [[Buffalo Bills#50th Anniversary Team|Buffalo Bills 50th Anniversary Team]]
* Three Time All Pro, All NFL
⚫
* [[Buffalo Bills#Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame|Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame]]
* Buffalo Bills 25th Anniversary All Time Team
* Buffalo Bills 25th Anniversary All Time Team
⚫
* Buffalo Bills 50th Anniversary All Time Team
|statlabel1=Sacks
|statlabel1=Sacks
|statvalue1=18.5
|statvalue1=29.0
|statlabel2=Interceptions
|statlabel2=Interceptions
|statvalue2=2
|statvalue2=2
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|pfr=S/SmerFr00
|pfr=S/SmerFr00
}}
}}
'''Frederic Charles Smerlas''' (born April 8, 1957) is a former [[American football]] [[defensive lineman]] who was a 5-time [[National Football League|NFL]] [[Pro Bowl]] selection during 14-year career as a [[nose tackle]] with the [[Buffalo Bills]], [[San Francisco 49ers]], and [[New England Patriots]].
'''Frederic Charles Smerlas''' (born April 8, 1957) is an American former professional [[American football|football]] player who was a [[nose tackle]] for 14 seasons in the [[National Football League]] (NFL). A five-time [[Pro Bowl]] selection with the [[Buffalo Bills]], he also played for the [[San Francisco 49ers]] and [[New England Patriots]].


Smerlas, of [[Greek-American]] descent, graduated from [[Waltham High School]] in 1975, where he was a star football player and wrestler.{{citation needed|date=May 2017}} He became a defensive lineman for [[Boston College]] before embarking on an NFL career.{{citation needed|date=May 2017}} His 1990 autobiography, ''By a Nose'', recounts his eleven years with the [[Buffalo Bills]] and their climb from cellar-dwellers to [[Super Bowl]] contenders.
Smerlas, of [[Greek-American]] descent, graduated from [[Waltham High School]] in 1975, where he was a star football player and wrestler.{{citation needed|date=May 2017}} He became a defensive lineman for [[Boston College]] before embarking on an NFL career.{{citation needed|date=May 2017}} Smerlas' 1990 autobiography, ''By a Nose'', recounts his 11 years with the Bills and their climb from cellar-dwellers to [[Super Bowl]] contenders.


Smerlas currently resides in [[Sudbury, Massachusetts|Massachusetts]] and is a part-time co-host during football season on sports radio [[WEEI-FM|WEEI-FM,]] NBC Sports Boston - The New England Tailgate Show, as well as a contributor to western New York radio station [WHAM (AM) in Rochester
Smerlas currently resides in [[Sudbury, Massachusetts|Massachusetts]] and is a part-time co-host during football season on sports radio [[WEEI-FM]], NBC Sports Boston - The New England Tailgate Show, as well as a contributor to western New York radio station [[WHAM (AM)]] in Rochester.


In 2018, the [[Professional Football Researchers Association]] named Smerlas to the PFRA Hall of Very Good Class of 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.profootballresearchers.org/hall-of-very-good-2018.html |title=PFRA Hall of Very Good Class of 2018 | access-date=September 20, 2019}}</ref>

⚫
Two Time, Two sport All American in Wrestling and Football in High School; Two time New England heavyweight wrestling champ.

During Smerlas' playing career, he was the only player in the NFL who was of Greek descent.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://getpocket.com/explore/item/the-gore-guts-and-horror-of-an-nfl-fumble-pile|title=The Gore, Guts and Horror of an NFL Fumble Pile|last1=Glionna|first1=John M.|publisher=[[SB Nation]]|quote=Now in his 60s, Smerlas was a five-time NFL Pro Bowl selection during a 14-year career as a nose tackle with the Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots. No pushover between the lines, he was then the only Greek player in the NFL, with a 6’3, 270-pound body filled out by dolmades, bougatsa and baklava.|accessdate=October 13, 2022}}</ref>


==Fred & Steve's Steakhouse==
==Fred & Steve's Steakhouse==


Smerlas, along with friend and colleague [[Steve DeOssie]], opened a second place award-winning steakhouse at the [[Twin River Casino]] in [[Lincoln, Rhode Island]] in March 2007 called Fred & Steve's Steakhouse.<ref>{{cite web
Smerlas, along with friend and colleague [[Steve DeOssie]], opened an award-winning steakhouse at the [[Bally's Twin River Lincoln|Twin River Casino]] in [[Lincoln, Rhode Island]], in March 2007 called Fred & Steve's Steakhouse.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070118/COLUMN08/701180468
|url=http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070118/COLUMN08/701180468
|title=DeOssie likes Pats Sunday |date=January 18, 2007 |first = Bill | last = Doyle |publisher= Worcester Telegram & Gazette |accessdate=May 2, 2007}}</ref>
|title=DeOssie likes Pats Sunday |date=January 18, 2007 |first = Bill | last = Doyle |publisher= Worcester Telegram & Gazette |access-date=May 2, 2007}}</ref>


==Political career==
==Political career==


A Boston Herald article <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070409043304/http://news.bostonherald.com/localPolitics/view.bg?articleid=193163 ] </ref> announced on April 6, 2007 that Fred considered seeking the Massachusetts 5th US Congressional seat being vacated by [[Marty Meehan|Martin T. Meehan]] as a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] candidate.
A ''Boston Herald'' article <ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bostonherald.com/localPolitics/view.bg?articleid=193163 |title=BostonHerald.com - Local Politics: Ex-Pats could team up to tackle Congress: Radio hosts eye Meehan's empty seat |website=news.bostonherald.com |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070409043304/http://news.bostonherald.com/localPolitics/view.bg?articleid=193163 |archive-date=9 April 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> announced on April 6, 2007, that Fred considered seeking the Massachusetts 5th US Congressional seat being vacated by [[Marty Meehan|Martin T. Meehan]] as a [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] candidate.


In 2010, Smerlas expressed an interest in relocating to [[Western New York]] to challenge [[Brian Higgins]] or [[Louise Slaughter]], believing that they have not adequately represented Western New York or [[Upstate New York|the upstate region as a whole]]. He indicated that his son was considering attending the [[University at Buffalo]], and if he were to relocate, he may run either in 2010 or 2012,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wben.com/Smerlas-For-Congress--He-Says-Maybe---/6667842 |title=Smerlas For Congress? He Says Maybe... - WBEN NewsRadio 930 : Buffalo & Niagara Falls, NY |publisher=Wben.com |date= |accessdate=August 23, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614074618/http://www.wben.com/Smerlas-For-Congress--He-Says-Maybe---/6667842 |archivedate=June 14, 2011 |df= }}</ref> later ruling out a 2010 run. He said that his first priority "would be to [[Secession in New York|take a big saw and cut New York City off]]."<ref>{{cite web |author=Rich Newberg Posted by: Eli George |url=http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/new_york/Will-former-Bill-make-a-run-for-office |title=Will former Bill make a run for office |publisher=WIVB.com |date=March 29, 2010 |accessdate=August 23, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531014102/http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/new_york/Will-former-Bill-make-a-run-for-office |archivedate=May 31, 2011 |df= }}</ref>
In 2010, Smerlas expressed an interest in relocating to [[Western New York]] to challenge [[Brian Higgins]] or [[Louise Slaughter]], believing that they have not adequately represented Western New York or [[Upstate New York|the upstate region as a whole]]. He indicated that his son was considering attending the [[University at Buffalo]], and if he were to relocate, he may run either in 2010 or 2012,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wben.com/Smerlas-For-Congress--He-Says-Maybe---/6667842 |title=Smerlas For Congress? He Says Maybe... - WBEN NewsRadio 930 : Buffalo & Niagara Falls, NY |publisher=Wben.com |access-date=August 23, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614074618/http://www.wben.com/Smerlas-For-Congress--He-Says-Maybe---/6667842 |archive-date=June 14, 2011 }}</ref> later ruling out a 2010 run. He said that his first priority "would be to [[Secession in New York|take a big saw and cut New York City off]]."<ref>{{cite web |author=Rich Newberg Posted by: Eli George |url=http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/new_york/Will-former-Bill-make-a-run-for-office |title=Will former Bill make a run for office |publisher=WIVB.com |date=March 29, 2010 |access-date=August 23, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531014102/http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/new_york/Will-former-Bill-make-a-run-for-office |archive-date=May 31, 2011 }}</ref>

==See also==
⚫
*[[List of most consecutive starts and games played by National Football League players#Defensive linemen|Most consecutive starts by a nose tackle]]


==Bibliography==
==Bibliography==
* Fred Smerlas and Vic Carucci, ''By A Nose: The Off-Center Life of Football's Funniest Lineman'', Simon And Schuster, 1990. {{ISBN|0-671-70532-6}}
* Fred Smerlas and Vic Carucci, ''By A Nose: The Off-Center Life of Football's Funniest Lineman'', Simon And Schuster, 1990. {{ISBN|0-671-70532-6}}


==See also==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
⚫
*[[List of most consecutive starts and games played by National Football League players#Defensive linemen|Most consecutive starts by a nose tackle]]


==External links==
==External links==
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060118010711/http://www.buffalosportshallfame.com/Class_of_2000/Fred_Smerlas/fred_smerlas.html Fred Smerlas Buffalo Hall of Fame]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060118010711/http://www.buffalosportshallfame.com/Class_of_2000/Fred_Smerlas/fred_smerlas.html Fred Smerlas Buffalo Hall of Fame]
* [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/SmerFr00.htm Fred Smerlas Statistics]
* [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/SmerFr00.htm Fred Smerlas Statistics]
* [http://bceagles.collegesports.com/genrel/smerlas_fred00.html Fred Smerlas Boston College]
* [http://bceagles.collegesports.com/genrel/smerlas_fred00.html Fred Smerlas Boston College] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041211113724/http://bceagles.collegesports.com/genrel/smerlas_fred00.html |date=2004-12-11 }}
*[http://patriotstailgate.com/ All Pro tailgate party] Home Page
*[http://patriotstailgate.com/ All Pro tailgate party] Home Page


{{Bills1979DraftPicks}}
==References==
{{Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame}}
<references />
{{Authority control}}



{{DEFAULTSORT:Smerlas, Fred}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Smerlas, Fred}}
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[[Category:American football defensive linemen]]
[[Category:American football defensive linemen]]
[[Category:American people of Greek descent]]
[[Category:American people of Greek descent]]
[[Category:Sportspeople of Greek descent]]
[[Category:Boston College Eagles football players]]
[[Category:Boston College Eagles football players]]
[[Category:Buffalo Bills players]]
[[Category:Buffalo Bills players]]
[[Category:Massachusetts Republicans]]
[[Category:Massachusetts Republicans]]
[[Category:New England Patriots players]]
[[Category:New England Patriots players]]
⚫
[[Category:Players of American football from Massachusetts]]
[[Category:San Francisco 49ers players]]
[[Category:San Francisco 49ers players]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Waltham, Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Waltham, Massachusetts]]
⚫
[[Category:Players of American football from Middlesex County, Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Waltham High School alumni]]

Revision as of 02:34, 10 May 2024

Fred Smerlas
No. 76
Position:Nose tackle
Personal information
Born: (1957-04-08) April 8, 1957 (age 67)
Waltham, Massachusetts, U.S.
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:295 lb (134 kg)
Career information
High school:Waltham
College:Boston College
NFL draft:1979 / Round: 2 / Pick: 32
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Sacks:29.0
Interceptions:2
Player stats at PFR

Frederic Charles Smerlas (born April 8, 1957) is an American former professional football player who was a nose tackle for 14 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). A five-time Pro Bowl selection with the Buffalo Bills, he also played for the San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots.

Smerlas, of Greek-American descent, graduated from Waltham High School in 1975, where he was a star football player and wrestler.[citation needed] He became a defensive lineman for Boston College before embarking on an NFL career.[citation needed] Smerlas' 1990 autobiography, By a Nose, recounts his 11 years with the Bills and their climb from cellar-dwellers to Super Bowl contenders.

Smerlas currently resides in Massachusetts and is a part-time co-host during football season on sports radio WEEI-FM, NBC Sports Boston - The New England Tailgate Show, as well as a contributor to western New York radio station WHAM (AM) in Rochester.

In 2018, the Professional Football Researchers Association named Smerlas to the PFRA Hall of Very Good Class of 2018.[1]

Two Time, Two sport All American in Wrestling and Football in High School; Two time New England heavyweight wrestling champ.

During Smerlas' playing career, he was the only player in the NFL who was of Greek descent.[2]

Fred & Steve's Steakhouse

Smerlas, along with friend and colleague Steve DeOssie, opened an award-winning steakhouse at the Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island, in March 2007 called Fred & Steve's Steakhouse.[3]

Political career

A Boston Herald article [4] announced on April 6, 2007, that Fred considered seeking the Massachusetts 5th US Congressional seat being vacated by Martin T. Meehan as a Republican candidate.

In 2010, Smerlas expressed an interest in relocating to Western New York to challenge Brian Higgins or Louise Slaughter, believing that they have not adequately represented Western New York or the upstate region as a whole. He indicated that his son was considering attending the University at Buffalo, and if he were to relocate, he may run either in 2010 or 2012,[5] later ruling out a 2010 run. He said that his first priority "would be to take a big saw and cut New York City off."[6]

See also

Bibliography

  • Fred Smerlas and Vic Carucci, By A Nose: The Off-Center Life of Football's Funniest Lineman, Simon And Schuster, 1990. ISBN 0-671-70532-6

References

  1. ^ "PFRA Hall of Very Good Class of 2018". Retrieved September 20, 2019.
  2. ^ Glionna, John M. "The Gore, Guts and Horror of an NFL Fumble Pile". SB Nation. Retrieved October 13, 2022. Now in his 60s, Smerlas was a five-time NFL Pro Bowl selection during a 14-year career as a nose tackle with the Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots. No pushover between the lines, he was then the only Greek player in the NFL, with a 6'3, 270-pound body filled out by dolmades, bougatsa and baklava.
  3. ^ Doyle, Bill (January 18, 2007). "DeOssie likes Pats Sunday". Worcester Telegram & Gazette. Retrieved May 2, 2007.
  4. ^ "BostonHerald.com - Local Politics: Ex-Pats could team up to tackle Congress: Radio hosts eye Meehan's empty seat". news.bostonherald.com. Archived from the original on 9 April 2007. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  5. ^ "Smerlas For Congress? He Says Maybe... - WBEN NewsRadio 930 : Buffalo & Niagara Falls, NY". Wben.com. Archived from the original on June 14, 2011. Retrieved August 23, 2010.
  6. ^ Rich Newberg Posted by: Eli George (March 29, 2010). "Will former Bill make a run for office". WIVB.com. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved August 23, 2010.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fred_Smerlas&oldid=1223129838"