A.J. Smith

Albert J. "A.J." Smith (born February 28, 1949) is a former professional American football executive. Previously, he served as the executive vice president and general manager of the San Diego Chargers in the National Football League.

Smith was a part-time scout, full-time scout, assistant director of scouting, director of scouting and assistant general manager before being promoted to his position with the Chargers.

Education and early career

Smith is a graduate of Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick, Rhode Island, where he was a standout on the football and track teams. He was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame in 2003.

Smith earned a degree in health and physical education from Kentucky Wesleyan College in 1971. In 2005 Smith returned in order to attend a dedication in his honor, during which he received a plaque of commemoration which will be placed in the new A.J. Smith Weight Room inside the Woodward Health and Recreation Center.

After graduating from college, Smith began his career in semi-professional football with the Attleboro Kings of the Eastern Football League as a wide receiver from 1972 to 1974. Smith was given a tryout with the Washington Redskins in 1974, but was never offered a professional contract. Smith was inducted into the American Football Association's Minor/Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.