Skip to content

Former Argonauts receiver, member of '91 Grey Cup team Darrell K. Smith dies

Ron Bull / Toronto Star / Getty

Former Toronto Argonauts wide receiver and holder of multiple team receiving records Darrel K. Smith died Monday night, according to CFL.ca.

He was 55.

A veteran of nine CFL seasons, Smith spent eight of them with the Argonauts from 1986-92, before finishing his career with one season with the Edmonton Eskimos in 1993.

A two-time CFL all-star, Smith also holds multiple Argonauts records, including most consecutive games with a reception (96) and single-season touchdowns (20).

Argonauts president and CEO Michael Copeland released a statement of condolences for Smith's friends and family upon hearing the news.

"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," Copeland said. "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."

Former teammate and friend Michael "Pinball" Clemons praised Smith for not only his ability on the field, but also his character off the it.

"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. ... Beyond his confidence, I remember his laugh and the scream he would let out just before game time 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 cause of death was not immediately known.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox