Former Toronto Argonauts receiver Darrell K. Smith dies at age 55

TORONTO — Darrell K. Smith, a former receiver with the Toronto Argonauts and Edmonton Eskimos, has died. He was 55.

The Argos confirmed Tuesday that Smith died on Monday night of cancer.

Smith spent eight seasons in the CFL, including seven with Toronto (1986-92). The native of Youngstown, Ohio, had 465 catches for 8,144 yards and 52 TDs with Toronto while returning 84 kickoffs for 1,139 yards.

Smith was dealt to Edmonton in 1993 as part of a 16-player trade, the largest in CFL history.

“Darrell was an electrifying player who captured the hearts of our fans, etched his name in the Argos’ record book, and helped lead us to our Grey Cup championship in 1991,” Michael Copeland, the Argos president and CEO, said in a statement. “He will be forever remembered as one of the Argos’ all-time great receivers.

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“On behalf of our fans and our entire organization, we send our deepest condolences to Darrell’s friends and family.”

Smith, a four-time CFL all-star, remains the franchise leader in consecutive games with a reception (96), single-season touchdowns (20) and average yards per catch (17.5).

He stands second all-time in career and single-season 200-yard receiving games (two), third in 100-yard receiving games (25) and receiving yards in a single-season (1,826), and fifth in receiving touchdowns (111) and combined yards (9,374).

Smith was also a former teammate and close friend of Argos great Michael (Pinball) Clemons, who remembered Smith fondly.

“Darrell K. Smith was everything you think of when you speak of superstar wide receivers,” Clemons said. “His play was scintillating, his confidence overflowing and his competitive spirit undeniable.

“Today we celebrate his life and appreciate his contributions, both on and off the field. Beyond his confidence, I remember his laugh and the scream he would let out just before gametime that let us all know it was time to play. More humanely, he was smarter, kinder, and more thoughtful than most of us had a chance to see.”

The Canadian Press