Steve Smear was a standout lineman at the football factory of Penn State. Named an All-American in 1968, Smear was drafted in the fourth round of the 1970 NFL college draft by the Baltimore Colts, but chose to sign instead with the Montreal Alouettes. Smear signed with the Alouettes in 1970, just in time for the revival of the franchise from the doldrums of the 1960s. With a new owner in Sam Berger, a new GM in Red O'Quinn and a new head coah in Sam Etcheverry, the Alouettes went on to win the Grey Cup in Smear's rookie season.
Smear played three seasons in total with the Alouettes (1970-72), winning a pair of East All-Stars (1970 and 1971) and a CFL All-Star in his rookie season in 1970. In April of 1973, Smear was traded to the Toronto Argonauts for Marv Luster and a player to be named later. Smear played one season (1973) for the Argos and one with the Saskatchewan Roughriders (1974). Smear was a defensive tackle at Penn State but played mainly defensive end middle linebacker in the CFL.
Smear injured his back in the spring of 1975 and according to the Roughriders was not able to pass his medical. Saskatchewan placed Smear on waivers and apparently planned to release him which provoked a spat with the CFLPA as league rules didn't allow teams to release an injured player. The Riders claimed the rule didn't apply since the injury had happened in the off-season. In the end, Smear was put on the injured list and didn't play any games in 1975, or for that matter again in the CFL..
Penn State Uses Smear Tactics - November 12, 1968
Steve Smear Win Nelson Award - December 30, 1969
Smear will Not Play Pro Foortball - June 27, 1970
Steve Smear Tries Again - July 7, 1970
Smear Sensitive Fellow Who Likes Fun Football - June 26, 1970
Smear Seeks New Club - September 15, 1972
Smear Traded to Torono - April 16, 1973
Steve Smear Leaves Alouettes With Class - April 17, 1973
J.I. Denies Money Behind Smear Trade - April 17, 1973
Smear Signs 5 Year Deal - June 6, 1973
Smear Feels Like a Gypsy - February 20, 1974
Smear Resigns With Riders - January 27, 1975
Smear Case Keeps Riders on Toes - July 19, 1975
Bob Hughes Article on Steve Smear - July 19, 1975
Smear Moved to Injured List - July 23, 1975
Ex Penn State Star Reacts to Sex Abuse Scandal
| Year | Team | GP | Int | Yds | Avg | TDInt | Long | FR | Yds | Avg | TD | Long | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | MON | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1971 | MON | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 1972 | MON | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1973 | TOR | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1974 | SASK | 13 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Defensive tackle and quarterback sack stats were not kept during the years Smear played.
