Known for Camera
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 building—likening experience to "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"—he immediately changed major. After working at WHO television in Des Moines and producing his team's highlight videos, Smith attended futile 1973 training camp with Kansas City Chiefs. During camp, he befriended NFL Films videographer who invited him to dinner with Steve Sabol. Shortly after being cut by Chiefs and Chicago Bears, Ed Sabol called offering job. Hired as editor in 1973, Smith received camera in 1974 and became NFL Films' first rookie videographer at that season's Super Bowl (Pittsburgh's 16-6 victory over Minnesota). Over 42 Super Bowls and countless regular season games, Smith captured football history including his most famous shot: Dwight Clark's "The Catch" against Dallas in 1981 NFC Championship Game, earning NFL shot of the year and commemorative plaque in his home. He pioneered "Mic'd Up" technology, conducting more player and coach wirings than anyone else, handling all wirings in his final 15 years with Films. Smith's Emmy Award-winning work earned particular trust from Denver Broncos, who granted more access than any team during 1980s-1990s. He wired Mike Shanahan for seven straight playoff victories en route to consecutive championships and captured Peyton Manning's final game at Super Bowl 50. Retiring in 2009, Smith returned for occasional assignments before Super Bowl 50 finale in 2016. He and wife Kennie (NFL Films vice president) live near Philadelphia with winter home in Fort Myers, Florida. Smith continues filming Fellowship of Christian Athletes programs honoring mentor Chuck Bowman and produced 30-minute documentary about Stillwater's 1967 championship, commissioning legendary narrator John Facenda for voice-over.
