February 14, 2017

CFL, Argos mourn the loss of Darrell K. Smith

TORONTO — The Toronto Argonauts Football Club and the Canadian Football League are mourning the loss of former receiver Darrell K. Smith, who passed away Monday at the age of 55.

Smith played 112 games over seven seasons (1986-92) with the Argonauts. The Youngstown, Ohio, native hauled in 465 passes for 8,144 yards and 52 touchdowns while adding 84 kick returns for 1,139 yards with the Double Blue.

“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,” said Michael Copeland, President & CEO for the Argos. “He will be forever remembered as one of the Argos’ all-time great receivers. On behalf of our fans and our entire organization, we send our deepest condolences to Darrell’s friends and family.”

DK Smith

Darrell finished his career ranked among the Argos all-time leaders in a number of categories, many of which still stand today. The two-time CFL All-Star and 1991 Grey Cup Champion is still the club’s all-time leader in consecutive games with a reception (96), single-season touchdowns (20) and average yards per catch (17.5), and ranks second all-time in career and single-season 200-yard receiving games (2), 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).

The star wide receiver was a cherished team member and close friend of Argos great, Michael “Pinball” Clemons, who remembers him fondly.

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