Fred Smoot established himself as a standout cornerback in the NFL, combining physical play with high-level football IQ. This overview highlights key moments, performance metrics, and consistent contributions to teams over his career.
His journey through college at Mississippi State and into the league with the Vikings set the stage for a long run as a respected shutdown defender and leader on the field.
| Category | Detail | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Fred Smoot | Fred Smoot | Commonly referenced by full name in stats and records |
| Position | Cornerback | Cornerback | Primary role covering receivers and playing zone aggressively |
| Draft Year | 2001 NFL Draft | 2001 | Selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round |
| Career Start | Professional Debut | 2001 | Played through the 2010 season across multiple teams |
Defensive Performance Metrics
Interceptions and Coverage Stats
Fred Smoot built his reputation on lockdown coverage and timely interceptions. Tracking tackles, passes defensed, and interception returns shows how consistently he impacted games from his early years.
Career Game Logs and Team Transitions
Key Seasons with the Vikings, Redskins, and Raiders
Understanding Fred Smoot stats requires looking at year-by-year game logs across Minnesota, Washington, and Oakland. Each team context shaped his role and highlighted different strengths on the field.
| Season | Team | GP | Tackles | INT | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Minnesota Vikings | 16 | 87 | 3 | 8 |
| 2005 | Minnesota Vikings | 16 | 81 | 5 | 11 |
| 2007 | Washington Redskins | 16 | 75 | 2 | 9 |
| 2008 | Washington Redskins | 16 | 70 | 2 | 7 |
| 2010 | Oakland Raiders | 16 | 57 | 1 | 5 |
Playing Style and Coverage Technique
Physical Press Coverage and Ball Skills
Fred Smoot stats reflect a disciplined corner willing to play tight press coverage. His technique in jamming receivers at the line, staying with releases, and attacking the ball in the air made him a reliable option on third downs and in critical passing situations.
Legacy and Impact on Special Teams
Return Contributions and Leadership Off the Field
Beyond coverage, Fred Smoot stats include meaningful special teams play. His awareness and tackling on kickoffs and punts added value in short yardage situations, while his presence helped organize the defense during practice and crucial game moments.
FAQ
How many interceptions did Fred Smoot record in his career?
Fred Smoot recorded 13 interceptions over his NFL career, with his best season coming in 2005 when he had five picks.
What teams did Fred Smoot play for in the NFL?
Fred Smoot played for the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins, and Oakland Raiders during his professional career.
Was Fred Smoot selected to the Pro Bowl during his career?
Fred Smoot was not selected to the Pro Bowl, though he was recognized for his strong coverage and special teams play with consistent All-Conference honors.
How did Fred Smoot perform in playoff games compared to the regular season?
In playoff action, Fred Smoot maintained solid coverage and contributed key tackles, though his interception numbers remained lower than his regular season peak years.
Key Takeaways on Fred Smoot Career Highlights
- First-round draft pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2001
- Recorded 13 career interceptions with a high of five in a season
- Played over 100 games across Minnesota, Washington, and Oakland
- Known for physical press coverage and reliable special teams work
- Respected leader who influenced teammates through preparation and discipline
