Former San Francisco 49ers defensive end Justin Smith could be ready for a new career with the University of Missouri as a member of the school’s football staff.
A standout during his tenure with the Tigers between 1998-2000, Smith would be a tremendous addition to the school’s program. Head coach Gary Pinkel told media, via NFL.com, that Smith is exploring the idea of helping out in the weight room.
“I think he wants to get involved in the weight room a little bit with our players and help us out,” Pinkel said Wednesday at SEC Media Days. “That would be great if he can do that. He would be a tremendous asset to us.”
Smith was a workout warrior during his NFL playing days, often dragging his younger teammates along with him to learn how “Cowboy” does his business.
His value in the weight room would be tremendous, and the young men who study under Smith would gain knowledge that will serve them well in the years to come. There’s another added benefit, too, in that Smith’s presence on Missouri’s coaching staff would be an outstanding recruiting tool for the program.
What young man wouldn’t want to learn from a potential Hall of Famer?
With Smith building a new home near the school, this seems like a match made in heaven.
“He’s from (Jefferson) City, the state capital, about 25 miles south of Columbia. He’s going to be living right in Columbia and we’d love to have him come back,” Pinkel said. “I talked to Andy Hill, who recruited him, our quarterback coach, and we’ll see.”
As Smith moves further and further from his old routine as an NFL warrior, no doubt he’ll develop a desperate thirst for another venture worth his time. And given his penchant for hitting the weights, this would seem like the dream job for a retired defensive lineman with nothing better to do.
Photo Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports