Larry Smith played his college ball at Bishop's University in Sherbrooke Quebec and joined the Montreal Alouttes in 1972.  Smith played inine seasons (1972-1980) with Montreal, never missing a game, and establishing himself as one of the top Canadian running backs in the CFL during that period.  Smith had a good rookie season in 1972, carrying the ball 54 times for 246 yards.  Smith's most productive season rushing the ball came in his sophomore year in 1973 as he had 104 carries for 422 yards.  Smith's use as a pass receiver grew from his rookie season with 7 catches and hit a high of 52 for 560 yards in 1975.  Through the last part of his career, Smith was rarely used to carry the ball, but still saw significant action as a receiver.  In 1978, Smith had only one rushing attempt, but had 35 catches for 528 yards.  Smith finished his career witha total of 1646 yards rushing and 238 catches for 2770 yards.  Smith was a two time winner of the Grey Cup as a player as the Als won the cup in 1974 and again in 1977.

Beyond football, Smith was very successful in the business world, and has had the good fortune to be able to combine the two things he is probably best at.  Smith had a degree in Economics from Bishop's and then added a law degree while still playing for Montreal in 1976.  With that background, Smith became the 11th commisioner in CFL history in 1992 and held the post until 1996.  Smith's reign as CFL commissioner is probably best remembered for the expansion of the CFL into the United States.  While the expansion ultimately failed, some positive things came from it.   Foremost among them would be the revival of the Montreal Alouttes franchise.  The long proud tradition of CFL football in Montreal had been suspended in 1987 when the franchise folded.  After the 1995 season, the Baltimore team packed up and moved to Montreal. It was a talent laden team that had won the Grey Cup in 1995, and that coupled with a move a few years later back to Molson Stadium from the Big O, made the revitalized Alouttes a hit in Montreal.  Fittingly enough, Smith took over as President of the Alouettes in 1997.  Smith held that post until 2001, when he left to become the President and Publisher of the Montreal Gazzette.  In 2004, Smith returned to the Montreal Alouttes to resume his President duties with the club.

Larry Smith An All-Star At Bishop's - November 23, 1971

Alouette Larry Smith Heads for Sidelines = Feb. 27, 1981

`Former Als President Larry Smith Feels Bad For Club

CFL All About Communirty - May, 2012