1970 NFL - Big Bubba Smith tosses Jet lineman Dave Foley to the side as he comes face to face with Al Woodall. Joe Namath had been injured in week five against these same Colts and Woodall was pressed into the starting lineup for the rest of the season. New York ended up with a total of 4 wins for the 1970 NFL season. Baltimore would defeat the Cowboys in Super Bowl V.
I believe this photo is from the 1968 NFL Championship Game — Ordell Braase and Bubba Smith put heavy pressure on Browns quarterback Bill Nelson. The Colts defense completely dominated Cleveland, holding star running back Leroy Kelly to just 28 rushing yards, with his longest run going for only 5 yards. Baltimore sacked Browns quarterbacks four times, forced three turnovers, and shut Cleveland out completely. Final score: Colts 34, Browns 0.
Back-up tackle Wayne Mass gets in front of Dolphins runner Jim Kiick in this early 1970s action. That looks like Big Bubba Smith lurking in the background.
Super Bowl III action as Big Bubba Smith breaks through to put some heat on Jet's quarterback Joe Namath. The Colts defense did manage a couple of sacks on Namath. Smith had 1 of them. That's Matt Snell in the background.
Falcons and Colts - late 1960s NFL. Bob Berry feels a bit of pressure from Colts legend Bubba Smith. Berry was with the Falcons from 1968 to 1972. His 8489 passing yards stills ranks #7 in the Falcons Franchise All-Time books and his 57 passing touchdowns is #6.
A young Dan Fouts gets set to throw against the Oakland Raiders, probably 1974. #82, Horace Jones comes in hard as Bubba Smith is engaged with Russ Washington. Otis Sistrunk is the lower right.
In 1973 the Colts traded Bubba Smith to the Raiders for tight end Raymond Chester. Smith remained in Oakland for 2 seasons, starting a total of 25 games and unofficially recording 7½ sacks. Here he has Chargers QB Wayne Clark in his grasp.
The Dolphins Bob Griese comes under some heavy pressure from the Colts Bubba Smith. In 1970 the Dolphins had their first ever winning season, winning 10 games and making it to the AFC playoffs as a Wildcard team.
The San Diego Chargers and Baltimore Colts in a 1969 Exhibition game. Former AFL All Star Keith Lincoln, sporting #9 on his jersey, has the Colts defense in hot pursuit of him as he carries the ball with #65, center Sam Gruneisen in support. Injured in 1968 after re-joining his former team Lincoln was attempting a comeback in 1969. If anyone could further elaborate on this I'd love to hear about.
The Colts shown are Bubba Smith - #78, Mike Curtis, #32 and bonus points for anyone who can ID #25.
6-foot 8-inch Bubba Smith of the Baltimore Colts sometime during the early 1970s.
With Colt defenders all around, Chiefs runner Mike Garrett carries in 1970. #32 is Colt great Mike Curtis and the Colt directly behind Garrett could be tackle Bubba Smith. The Chiefs won this one 44-24. It was 1 of Baltimore's only 2 losses on the year.
When the NFL and AFL officially merged in 1970 the Colts found themselves aligned in the AFL-heavy American Football Conference. Here defensive lineman gets to Bills rookie Dennis Shaw out of USC. A Pro Bowler in 1970, Smith has been credited with 10 sacks that season.
Bubba Smith gets to Joe Namath and hits his passing arm before he can follow through. Also applying pressure in Namath's face is Billy Ray Smith as well.
The Colts 1st-round draft pick out of Michigan State Defensive Tackle Bubba Smith
Surrounded by Colts defenders Bubba Smith (#78), Roy Hilton (#85) & Billy Ray Smith (#74) Redskins QB Sonny Jurgensen gets the pass off from deep in own territory. From 1969 - despite a 339-yard, 2-touchdown day by Jurgensen his Redskins were dominated by Baltimore 41-17.
Big Bubba Smith (#78) of the Colts avoids the block of Packers great Forrest Gregg (#75) and gets ready to take on center Bob Hyland (#50). We think the Packer in the background is fullback Jim Grabowski.
49ers QB John Brodie (#12) seeks to get the pass off before the inevitable upcoming collision with Colts defensive lineman Bubba Smith (#78).
Bubba Smith gets to Bills Quarterback Dennis Shaw
Another picture from the Jets-Colts clash in Super Bowl III. Bubba Smith again in Joe Namath's face.
5 seasons as Colt - "unofficially" credited with 43 sacks.
Super Bowl III - Jets QB Joe Namath gets a pass off under some heavy pressure from the Colts Bubba Smith.
