University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Northern Colorado to Retire Aaron Smith's Jersey
10/14/2026 11:00:00 AM | Football
GREELEY, Colo. – Northern Colorado will retire the jersey of Aaron Smith, one of the most decorated players in program history, during the first quarter of Saturday's game against Cal Poly at Nottingham Field. The weekend also marks Smith's induction into the Northern Colorado Athletics Hall of Fame.
Smith will become the third Bear to have a jersey retired, joining Vincent Jackson (81) and Corte McGuffey (12). Smith's jersey 91 will be retired, not the number itself.
Kickoff Saturday is set for 6 p.m. MT.
One of the Greats
Smith anchored the Northern Colorado defensive line through back-to-back NCAA Division II National Championships in 1996 and 1997. He led the Bears in sacks in each of his four seasons, finishing with a school-record 46.
His 22.0 sacks in 1997 remain the program mark for a single season, and his 4.5 against South Dakota State on Nov. 8, 1997, is the most in a single game in UNC history. His 6.5 tackles for loss against South Dakota State on Oct. 10, 1998, also stands as the program record, while his 29.0 in the 1997 season and 75.0 over his career top the rankings. He finished with 234 career tackles.
A team captain, Smith earned Daktronics, CoSIDA, Burger King, AFCA and Football Gazette First Team All-American honors in 1997. He was named the North Central Conference's Most Valuable Defensive Lineman and First Team in both 1997 and 1998.
The Next Level
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Smith in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft with the 109th overall pick, the highest selection by a Bear at the time and still the second-highest in program history. He spent his entire 13-year career in Pittsburgh, winning Super Bowl XL over Seattle and Super Bowl XLIII over Arizona.
Smith finished his NFL career with 481 tackles, 44.0 sacks, seven forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries and one interception. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2004, a member of the 2000s All-Decade Team, and was elected to the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor in 2023.
Tickets for Saturday's game can be purchased through the UNC ticket office online at UNCBears.com/Tickets, by calling 970-351-4849, or in person at the UNC ticket office during normal business hours.
Quarterback Club
The Quarterback Club plays a vital role in supporting the UNC Football program. By giving to the Quarterback Club, you help enhance the student-athlete experience, providing resources for team development, and ensuring the success of the Bears on and off the field. Your involvement makes a meaningful difference in the future of the program.
FOLLOW THE BEARS:
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at UNCBears.com. Follow the football team on Instagram, X and Facebook.
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Smith will become the third Bear to have a jersey retired, joining Vincent Jackson (81) and Corte McGuffey (12). Smith's jersey 91 will be retired, not the number itself.
Kickoff Saturday is set for 6 p.m. MT.
One of the Greats
Smith anchored the Northern Colorado defensive line through back-to-back NCAA Division II National Championships in 1996 and 1997. He led the Bears in sacks in each of his four seasons, finishing with a school-record 46.
His 22.0 sacks in 1997 remain the program mark for a single season, and his 4.5 against South Dakota State on Nov. 8, 1997, is the most in a single game in UNC history. His 6.5 tackles for loss against South Dakota State on Oct. 10, 1998, also stands as the program record, while his 29.0 in the 1997 season and 75.0 over his career top the rankings. He finished with 234 career tackles.
A team captain, Smith earned Daktronics, CoSIDA, Burger King, AFCA and Football Gazette First Team All-American honors in 1997. He was named the North Central Conference's Most Valuable Defensive Lineman and First Team in both 1997 and 1998.
The Next Level
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Smith in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft with the 109th overall pick, the highest selection by a Bear at the time and still the second-highest in program history. He spent his entire 13-year career in Pittsburgh, winning Super Bowl XL over Seattle and Super Bowl XLIII over Arizona.
Smith finished his NFL career with 481 tackles, 44.0 sacks, seven forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries and one interception. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2004, a member of the 2000s All-Decade Team, and was elected to the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor in 2023.
Tickets for Saturday's game can be purchased through the UNC ticket office online at UNCBears.com/Tickets, by calling 970-351-4849, or in person at the UNC ticket office during normal business hours.
Quarterback Club
The Quarterback Club plays a vital role in supporting the UNC Football program. By giving to the Quarterback Club, you help enhance the student-athlete experience, providing resources for team development, and ensuring the success of the Bears on and off the field. Your involvement makes a meaningful difference in the future of the program.
FOLLOW THE BEARS:
For complete coverage of UNC Athletics, check out the official homepage at UNCBears.com. Follow the football team on Instagram, X and Facebook.
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Thursday, October 08
Thursday, October 08
Thursday, October 08
Thursday, October 08
