Former NFL Running Back & Minnesota Vikings Star; Sports Media Analyst; Author; Founder of Fan Health Network
Robert Smith Biography
Robert Smith is a former NFL running back who spent his entire professional career with the Minnesota Vikings. Smith starred as a running back at The Ohio State University and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year after rushing for 1,126 yards. He played two seasons with the Buckeyes football program, leading the team in rushing both years, averaging 88.4 yards per game with 18 total rushing touchdowns, while also running track and earning first-team All-Conference recognition. Smith was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the NFL Draft as the 21st overall pick.
Smith's professional football career was marked by early adversity and a late-career surge. He suffered from a number of ailments in his first few seasons, including injuries to both knees and ankles, but eventually broke through with 1,266 yards rushing. Beginning in his fifth season, Smith remained healthy enough to rush for over 1,000 yards in four consecutive seasons, including a career-best 1,521 yards and seven touchdowns. Minnesota reached the playoffs multiple times during Smith's tenure and appeared in the NFC Championship Game twice. He was selected to the Pro Bowl twice and received second-team All-Pro honors once.
One of the most discussed decisions of Smith's career was his retirement at the peak of his performance. Long before player health awareness became a mainstream NFL conversation, Smith chose to step away from football at age 28, following a career-best season. At the time, he was expected to become a free agent with a projected contract offer worth $20 million to $40 million, but he announced his retirement, explaining that he valued a pain-free lifestyle over another major NFL payday. Smith holds the league's career record for the longest average touchdown run at 27.2 yards on 32 rushing scores.
Beyond football, Smith has demonstrated a commitment to intellectual pursuits and philanthropy. He authored the book "The Rest of the Iceberg: An Insider's View on the World of Sport and Celebrity," in which he discusses his experiences with the Buckeyes and Vikings and his relationships with other players and coaches. Smith has spoken openly about overcoming alcoholism during his playing career, seeking counseling, and maintaining sobriety since the birth of his son. An amateur astronomer, Smith was featured on the PBS program "Seeing in the Dark." He also founded the Robert Smith Foundation, a charity focused on providing financial and moral support for children's hospitals and cancer research.
After retiring from professional football, Smith built a career in sports media. He began broadcasting with ESPN, contributing to "College Football Live" and the network's Saturday studio coverage. Smith later joined FOX Sports as a studio analyst, working pregame, halftime, and postgame coverage before moving to the broadcast booth as a college football analyst. He is also the founder and chairman of Fan Health Network, an online community connecting professional athletes, sports personalities, and coaches directly to fans to help improve fitness, diet, and well-being. Smith's willingness to address personal challenges, player health, and life beyond sports has established him as a credible voice in sports media and athlete wellness.
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How do I book Robert Smith to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Robert Smith for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Robert Smith, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Robert Smith or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Robert Smith
Speaking fees for Robert Smith, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Robert Smith are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Robert Smith, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Robert Smith speak about?
Robert Smith is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Athlete, Broadcasting, Computer Science, Entrepreneurship, Executive Leadership, Football, Health & Wellness, Journalist, Men's Health, Nutrition, Sports, Sports Journalism & Broadcasting, Sports Motivation, Storytelling -
Where does Robert Smith travel from?
Robert Smith generally travels from Dallas, TX, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
Who is Robert Smith’s agent?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Robert Smith for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Robert Smith for your next private or corporate function. -
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Robert Smith is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Robert Smith for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Robert Smith generally travels from Dallas, TX, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Shannon Miller, Troy Aikman, Pat McAfee, Solomon Thomas and Ryan Shazier. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Robert Smith for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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