Baylor Football Legend Jim Ray Smith Dies at 94

The College Football Hall of Famer earned five consecutive Pro Bowl selections and devoted decades to serving Baylor and the Cotton Bowl.

By Habari Entertainment

Jim Ray Smith, a former Baylor All-American, five-time NFL Pro Bowl selection and longtime college football leader, died Oct. 3 at age 94, according to the National Football Foundation.

Smith was inducted into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame in 1987, recognizing a collegiate career that helped elevate Baylor into national contention during the 1950s. His influence continued well beyond the field through decades of service to the Cotton Bowl and his alma mater.

NFF President and CEO Steve Hatchell praised Smith’s accomplishments as both a player and a leader, saying his legacy reflected a deep commitment to college football and the people surrounding it. Hatchell also extended condolences to Smith’s family and friends.

A Standout in Baylor’s Trenches

A three-year starter from 1952 through 1954 under head coach George Sauer, Smith excelled as a two-way tackle and became one of the Southwest Conference’s leading linemen.

He earned First Team All-America recognition in 1953, followed by Second Team honors in 1954, and twice received All-Southwest Conference recognition.

With Smith anchoring the line, Baylor recorded consecutive seven-win seasons in 1953 and 1954, finishing third in the conference both years. The Bears climbed as high as No. 3 in the Associated Press poll during the 1953 season.

In 1954, Baylor defeated Texas, Texas A&M, TCU and SMU, earned a Gator Bowl berth and finished No. 18 nationally.

From West Columbia to the NFL

Born Feb. 27, 1932, in West Columbia, Texas, Smith was a four-sport standout at West Columbia High School before accepting a scholarship to Baylor.

His college experience also included community service through the Baylor Chamber of Commerce. Former Baylor Athletics Director Bill Menefee remembered Smith as both an exceptional football player and a citizen committed to his community.

Following his Baylor career, Smith participated in the 1955 College All-Star Game, helping the collegiate team defeat the defending NFL champion Cleveland Browns, 30–27.

Smith served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1956 and went on to a nine-year NFL career with the Browns and Dallas Cowboys between 1956 and 1964. He earned five consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1958 through 1962.

A Lasting Commitment to College Football

After retiring from professional football, Smith became a successful Dallas real estate executive while remaining active in the sport.

He served for more than 30 years on the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association’s board of directors, including as chairman from 1984 to 1986 and team selection chairman from 1994 to 1996. He also served as president of the Baylor Lettermen’s Club.

His honors included induction into the Baylor Athletics Hall of Fame in 1968 and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2007.

Smith leaves a legacy spanning athletic excellence, military service, business, and community leadership—a lifetime of contributions that extended far beyond his playing career.

Source: National Football Foundation.