Chris Smith Returns to Sharks
Tuesday October 13, 2015
Veteran defensive back inks two-year deal
JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville Sharks announced Monday that veteran defensive back Chris Smith will return to the team, as Smith has been assigned to the Jacksonville roster on a two-year contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 28-year-old Smith (5’10”, 190) is set to begin his second season with the Sharks and fourth in the Arena Football League. He first came to Jacksonville midway through the 2015 season, as he joined the Sharks’ roster on June 9, 2015.
In his first season with the Sharks, Smith made six starts at defensive back and played in seven total games. Smith intercepted a pass in his first game in a Shark uniform as he made his season debut in Week 12 against the Tampa Bay Storm. In Week 14 against the Cleveland Gladiators, Smith picked off a pass and recovered his own forced fumble. Smith finishing the season with 26 tackles (20 solo), six pass breakups, two interceptions, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble. Smith also appeared in the Sharks’ first two postseason contests.
Prior to his time with the Sharks, Smith spent his first two AFL seasons with the Tampa Bay Storm. In 2014, Smith got off to an impressive start, recording six interceptions in six games with the Storm before signing with the Canadian Football League’s Montreal Alouettes. The previous year, Smith broke into the AFL by making 16 starts as a rookie in 2013. During his first season in Tampa Bay, Smith led his team with 70.5 tackles and eight interceptions.
Smith originally signed with the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent following the 2011 NFL Draft. A native of Bradenton, Florida, Smith attended Palmetto High School and played collegiate football at Northern Illinois.
About the Jacksonville Sharks
The Jacksonville Sharks are a member of the Arena Football League (AFL). The ArenaBowl XXIV and four-time South Division Champions are presented by Sea Best Seafood and play all home games on Sea Best Field at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Shark Nation Memberships for the 2016 season are now available, starting as low as $99. To reserve your membership or for more information, please call (904) 621-0700 and speak to a Membership Activation Specialist. Follow the Sharks on facebook at facebook.com/jaxsharks and on Twitter @jaxsharks, as well as the Attack Dance Team at facebook.com/sharkattackdance and Chum at facebook.com/chumsharks.