LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Former NFL star Bubba Smith, who went from feared defensive end on the field to endearing giant in his successful second career as an actor, died Wednesday. He was 66.

Bubba Smith, who died on August 3, was a teammate of mine. I can see him giving me a stern put-on sneer in response to that claim, and in truth, Bubba and I were not football teammates.

Bubba Smith earned more than his share of identities and nicknames in a memorable life. Most of all, he was a Spartan.

Former NFL star Bubba Smith, who went from feared defensive end on the field to endearing giant in his successful second career as an actor, died Wednesday. He was 66.

Bubba Smith would tell the story without an ounce of bitterness. He lived a wonderful life and as the years passed seemed to accept that things had been a certain way back then. He was one of the ...

Bubba Smith, who died last week, was a teammate of mine. I can see him giving me a stern, put-on sneer in response to that claim, and in truth, no, Bubba and I were not football teammates.

STORY: Bubba Smith, Football Star and ‘Police Academy’ Actor, Dies The outpouring of fans was so great after news of Smith’s death broke that the term “Police Academy” became a national ...

Bubba wanted to go to Kansas to block for his older brother, Willie Ray Jr., a running back. But the Jayhawks’ coach wasn’t interested in another Smith.

Smith played Moses Hightower, a florist-turned-policeman. Smith's brother Tody, who also played in the NFL and later became Bubba's agent, died in 1999 at age 50.

Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith died this Wednesday in Los Angeles. He was 66. NPR's Todd Holzman has this remembrance of the man whose imposing presence on the field belied his gentle spirit, even in ...

Bubba Smith parodied his famous Police Academy role in his final film, Daze: Vol. Too, which may never be released.

Bubba Smith, the fearsome defensive end who played five seasons for the Baltimore Colts and helped them to victory in Super Bowl V in January 1971, was the very definition of a larger-than-life ...