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NFL Greatest Unsung Heroes In History of All 32 Teams

By Erik Lambert

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Joe Jurevicius #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball while pursued by Ray Buchanan #34 of the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL game on December 8, 2002 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 34-10. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Joe Jurevicius #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball while pursued by Ray Buchanan #34 of the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL game on December 8, 2002 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 34-10. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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21 Dec 1996: Defensive back Otis Smith of the New England Patriots during the Patriots 23-22 win over the New York Giants at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport
21 Dec 1996: Defensive back Otis Smith of the New England Patriots during the Patriots 23-22 win over the New York Giants at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport /

New England Patriots

21. player. 47. . CB. New England Patriots. Otis Smith

Tom Brady was the story of the 2001 New England Patriots. A former 6th round pick and backup who ascended to the starting job and began the greatest career a quarterback may ever have. Or it was Adam Vinatieri with an assortment of clutch kicks including the one that eventually won the Super Bowl. Not a lot of people remember the name Otis Smith.

He might actually be the first successful experiment by Bill Belichick of bringing in an older defensive back and getting a couple good years out of him. Smith was 35 when he signed with the Patriots. A year later in 2001, he had the second-best season of his career with five interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.

He capped things off with a big interception of Kurt Warner in the Super Bowl that led to a Patriots field goal to make it 17-3. Though the Rams tied the game, it left enough time for New England to win it on a field goal at the end. Smith was gone after the next season and fans should be more appreciative to his efforts in launching a dynasty.

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