He’s a legend in his own right.

During his 19 seasons with the NFL, he set a career record for 200 quarterback sacks, played in 11 Pro Bowls, nine All-Pro games, and four consecutive Super Bowls on AFC champion teams, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006. He also eventually was inducted the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 2009.      

NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Smith, who played defensive end for the Buffalo Bills and the Washington Redskins, visited Sailors assigned to the aircraft intermediate maintenance department (AIMD) of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), Jan. 29.

“You put yourselves in harm’s way to protect us, and I wanted to stop by and say thank you,” said Smith.

Smith, invited by Cmdr. Michael Windom, the maintenance officer aboard George Washington, spent time talking to Sailors about his life and career while using the opportunity to motivate and thank them for the jobs they do every day.

“The word hero is reserved for you, make no mistake,” said Smith, to the Sailors of AIMD.

Despite his notable legacy, Smith, of Norfolk, and a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, came from humble beginnings and worked hard for his accomplishments. 

“Hard work is not a punishment,” said Smith.

He had an all-state high school career and Virginia Tech offered him an athletic scholarship. He graduated as the most honored player in the college’s history.

“It was an honor to have such a successful man come speak to us,” said Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class Dominic Locher from Hooper, Utah. “I really appreciate him coming out.”

Smith’s father and brother both served in the military, and he went on several USO tours in Iraq and Afghanistan meeting troops that introduced him to what the military does. He touched on lessons he learned in the NFL, and how they translate to some of the same situations Sailors face every day.

“Complacency in your particular field puts people in harm’s way,” Smith cautioned. “Complacency shouldn’t be in your vocabulary.”

Windom also added that if the entertainment industry doesn’t entertain complacency, and we are the professionals at keeping the country safe, we shouldn’t either.

Smith touched on doors that were opened for him by being in the NFL, and he emphasized that doors were open for service members, too.

“You guys have opportunities; use them to your advantage,” said Smith.

Smith encouraged Sailors to ask him questions about his career. From who was the scariest football team he has faced, to who he thought would win the Super Bowl, he obliged any question asked of him.

“It does help boost morale,” said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class Andre Edmonson from Virginia Beach, Virginia. “It’s a good reason to get everyone out together.”

AIMD thanked Smith with a plaque and command ball cap. He also stayed after to take pictures with Sailors and sign ball caps.

Windom ended the event with a few words of encouragement for his Sailors.

“If a high school player from an inner-city school can make it to the hall of fame, what’s stopping you with all the opportunities you have?” asked Windom.

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