Hokie ClubORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – The Buffalo Bills announced Wednesday that Virginia Tech alum Bruce Smith will have his number 78 retired at the team’s regular season home opener on Thursday, Sept. 15 against the New York Jets. Smith’s Virginia Tech number 78 was already retired.
Smith capped a sensational college career with the Hokies in 1984 and was the first overall selection in the 1985 NFL Draft by the Bills. During his tenure with the Hokies, Smith registered 46.0 sacks, including 22.0 during his junior campaign in 1983. A two-time All-America selection, Smith also earned the 1984 Outland Trophy.
The Norfolk, Va., native joined Bills QB Jim Kelly as only the second player in that franchise’s history to have his number retired. Kelly’s number 12 was thus honored in 2001. The NFL’s all-time sack leader (200.0), Smith was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.
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