How did NFL Star-Turned-Actor Bubba Smith die?
The world mourned as the legendary Bubba Smith passed away, marking the end of an era for fans of football and film alike.
Bubba Smith: A Multifaceted Legend
Bubba Smith was born on February 28, 1945, in Orange, Texas, and grew up in Beaumont. Before he achieved stardom, Bubba honed his athletic abilities under the guidance of his father at Charlton-Pollard High School. Smith later attended Michigan State University, where he played in the historic 1966 “Game of the Century.” His prowess on the football field led to him being selected first overall in the 1967 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts.
Bubba played a defensive end during his NFL career and achieved notable success. However, he became a household name beyond the sports world by transitioning into acting. He is best known for his role as Moses Hightower in the first six Police Academy movies. His versatility and charisma made him a beloved figure on and off the field. At the time of his death, Bubba Smith’s net worth was reportedly substantial, at $500 thousand, reflecting his successful career in both sports and entertainment.
Cause of Death
Bubba Smith passed away on August 3, 2011, at his home in Los Angeles, California, where his caretaker found him. He was 66. The weight-loss drug Phentermine was found in his system, and the coroner determined his cause of death to be from a drug overdose and heart disease, with his heart weighing twice as much as it should have.
On May 24, 2016, it was announced that Smith had been diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a neurodegenerative condition affecting an unknown number of former athletes in contact sports.
His death marked the loss of a versatile individual who profoundly impacted the athletic and entertainment worlds.