Nov. 16, 2005
A major celebration is set to take place this weekend in the State of Ohio when the "Class of 2005" will be inducted into the Cleveland Browns Legends.
Jim Ray Smith, a two-time All-America tackle for Baylor in 1953 and 1954, is one of four players who will be honored during Sunday's game with the Miami Dolphins as part of the Browns' alumni weekend.
Those to be inducted along with Smith are quarterback Frank Ryan, who played for Rice in the 1958 Cotton Bowl Classic, defensive tackle Jerry Sherk, and cornerback Frank Minnifield.
Created in 2001, the Cleveland Browns Legends honors former players and coaches who have made a major and lasting impact on the organization. The Legends were determined by fan balloting on the Browns' website, www.ClevelandBrowns.com (counting 20 percent), along with a 10-member Legends panel (80 percent).
Smith said his election came totally out of the blue, and that he didn't even know his name was included on the Legends ballot until the telephone rang one day in October at his Dallas home.
"This came completely by surprise," said Smith. "I didn't know anything about it. My wife Paula and I had been planning on traveling to Cleveland this weekend anyway for the reunion of the 1954-55 NFL Championship team. They won the title the year before I got there. I have many friends on that team and was planning on going up to support them.
"Then, I received the phone call from Dino Lucarelli, the Browns' manager of alumni relations, who told me that I had been selected," said Smith. "I didn't know what to say, other than, `OK, great!' Needless to say, I'm excited and my whole family is going to the induction ceremony. I'm looking forward to seeing all the old guys I played with and introducing my family to my Cleveland Browns family."
Smith will be honored at a reception on Saturday evening and then at halftime of the Miami game. Permanent displays commemorating the 30 members of the Cleveland Browns Legends will be placed in public areas throughout the stadium for fans to view on game days and all year round.
Heading the list of Browns Legends is Paul Brown, the team's founder, coach and namesake. Other past honorees include running back Jim Brown, quarterback Otto Graham, offensive lineman and place kicker Lou Groza, offensive guard Joe DeLamielleure, tight end Ozzie Newsome, and wide receiver Paul Warfield.
A member of the SBC Cotton Bowl Board of Directors, Smith was drafted in the seventh round by the Browns in 1954 even though he still had a year of eligibility remaining at Baylor. An All-America tackle with the Bears in 1953 and 1954, he spent nearly two years in the Army before joining the Browns midway through the 1956 season.
After being used as a defensive end as a rookie, Smith moved to guard in 1957 and became one of the greatest offensive linemen in Browns history. His move to offense occurred in Jim Brown's rookie season. With Smith and his teammates paving the way up front, Brown became arguably the greatest player in NFL history.
Smith was rewarded for his work on the offensive line by being named All-Pro four times and was selected to participate in the Pro Bowl five times. After playing for seven seasons with the Browns, he joined the Dallas Cowboys for two seasons (1963-1964) before retiring to a career in real estate in the Dallas area.
Smith has been a member of the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association's Board of Directors for 30 years dating back to 1975. He served as CBAA Chairman in 1984-86 and spent three years as Chairman of Team Selection from 1994-96.
A three-year letterman from 1952-54, Smith is one of five Baylor players to have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. He was honored with his enshrinement by the National Football Foundation in 1986. His bust is on display at the Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind.
