Mark Smith, an American football player who played defensive tackle in the National Football League and for the Arizona Cardinals, died on February 10, 2026, at age 51.
Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, he played college football for the Auburn Tigers after beginning his college career at Navarro College and then transferring to Hinds Community College, where he earned NJCAA All-America honors and helped lead Hinds to the 1994 Mississippi state championship. Smith was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the seventh round of the 1997 NFL draft, earned All-Rookie honors that season, and spent four years with the team.
In his second season with Arizona, he finished second on the club with nine sacks as the Cardinals reached the second round of the playoffs.
Mark Smith (August 28, 1974 – February 10, 2026) was an American professional football player who played defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Auburn Tigers.