Joseph O'Brien Smith (born August 26, 1979) is an American former professional running back in the Canadian Football League (CFL). In 2007, in only his second season with the team, he became the BC Lions' all-time single-season rushing leader, breaking the previous record of 1,510 yards.
Following his graduation from Louisiana Tech, Smith began his professional football career in 2003 as a free agent running back with the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, he was cut after spending 15 weeks on the practice squad.
Smith signed as a free agent with the BC Lions in May, 2006, and replaced Antonio Warren as their starting running back when Warren was released in July. In 14 games with the Lions during the 2006 season, Smith rushed 166 times for 887 yards and 9 touchdowns with only 2 fumbles and caught 51 passes for 420 yards and one touchdown.
Smith rushed for 116 yards on 9 carries in the 2006 Grey Cup game, which the Lions won over the Montreal Alouettes by a score of 25–14.
Smith finished the 2007 season as the CFL's rushing and rushing touchdowns leader (with 1,510 yards and 18 touchdowns, respectively),[1] was named a CFL All-Star for the first time, and won the Western Division'sEddie James Memorial Trophy (as the Western Division's leading rusher).
On September 1, 2008, Smith was traded to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for fellow RBCharles Roberts.
