Reggie L . Smith Reggie L . Smith ( born August 29 , 1962 in Chicago , Illinois ) , is President of the National Football League Players Association , Former Players - Chicago Chapter ( NFLPA ) . Smith played college football at the University of Kansas before two 3rd round draft offers from the Denver Broncos ( NFL ) and Tampa Bay Bandits ( USFL ) and chose Tampa Bay in the 1984 NFL Draft . Currently , Smith is a professional speaker and a financial services representative for Water Tower Financial Partners , Inc . In February 2011 , Smith was elected president of the National Football League Players Association , Former Players - Chicago Chapter . He had previously served as the chapter ' s Vice President . Early years . Smith was born and raised in Chicago , IL . After his mother died in 1968 when he was six , Smith was raised by his paternal grandparents on the south side of Chicago until his graduation . Smith , the youngest boy of eight children , attended Chicago Vocational High School and played offensive and defensive tackle and ultimately received a full scholarship to the University of Kansas . College career . Smith was a three year starter at the University of Kansas , Lawrence , KS , where he was named a Football News Sophomore All - American . He played offensive tackle under famed coaches Don Fambrough and Mike Gottfried . During his senior year , Smith did not allow a sack . NFL / USFL career . Smith was drafted by both professional leagues , National Football League and the United States Football League , in the 1984 draft by the Denver Broncos and the Tampa Bay Bandits . Smith elected to start his professional career with the USFL Tampa Bay Bandits . During his 3 year USFL career , he honed his skills alongside future NFL players Nate Newton and Dan Fike , while playing against the likes of Reggie White . Smith realized a childhood dream — playing in the NFL — with stops in Denver , Dallas , and a return to Tampa Bay ( after the collapse of the USFL ; " see NFL v USFL lawsuit " ) . During his NFL career , Smith discovered the professional side of the NFL and was motivated to investigate litigation support as a potential future career . Professional and philanthropic career . Smith was elected in February 2011 to serve as President of the Chicago Chapter of the NFLPA , Former Players . In this capacity , he acts as the spokesperson and organizer for Former NFL Players in Chicagoland . He has been able to use his position for the betterment of the organization , its members , and the community at - large . Smith , as leader of his NFLPA chapter , has organized and executed numerous high profile projects . In association with a local chapter of the National Association of Home Builders , Smith organized a service day to revamp a Chicago area alternative high school . Smith worked to celebrate the importance of fathers and fatherhood in conjunction with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development . Recently , the Wall Street Journal featured an article about a new partnership Smith worked to initiate between the Chicago Chapter of the NFLPA , Former Players and RETROFIT , a “ Chicago - based company dedicated to data - driven weight loss , to offer members an expert - led wellness program , helping them get in top condition through a holistic diet and exercise approach . ” Smith has served as Chair of the Trustee Board of AMI Infinity Schools , Chicago . He also serves as an advisory board member of the Sports Leadership Institute .