Joey Leon Smith, Sr. was an amazing son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. His vibrant spirit and infectious smile made a lasting impression on everyone he met. Joey’s ability to make everyone laugh, his knack for fixing almost anything, and his defense of the underdog were just a few of the qualities making him a unique and beloved figure in his community.

A proud graduate of the Class of 1987 from Austin-East High School, Joey’s academic journey led him to the University of Louisville, where he not only pursued his education but also shone as a football player. His passion for the game was evident as he played with heart and skill, eventually leading him to a professional career in the NFL with the New York Giants for four years.

Joey’s love for football never waned and after his time in the NFL, he dedicated his time to coaching. He served as a defensive coordinator for both the Jacksonville Sharks and Brooklyn Bolts, and was a committed football coach at East Stroudsburg University for 14 years. Joey became a mentor for countless young athletes in their football careers and in life.

During his later years, Joey began to battle with depression, anger, and impulsiveness. He suspected his concussion history was affecting him and that he suffered from CTE. So, Joey began to write research papers on the subject. He passed away on May 21, 2024. On recommendation from one of his football friends, we sent his brain to the UNITE Brain Bank where researchers diagnosed Joey with stage 3 (of 4) CTE.

We are now sharing Joey’s story to show how CTE robbed the world of a wonderful man.