Robert Smith in town for book signing

By: Larry Fitzgerald
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Originally posted 9/22/2004

MSR Sports Editor

Former Vikings running back great Robert Smith, like Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, and recently Ricky Williams of the Miami Dolphins, surprised many by retiring in the prime of his NFL career. All four were regarded as among the best during their careers. 

Smith ran for 6,818 yards during his outstanding Vikings career. He is the Vikings' all-time leading rusher. Viking fans today still question why a Pro Bowl running back would walk away from a potential $40 million contract. 

Smith was recently inducted into the Columbus Ohio Hall of Fame. He had blazing speed and was one of the fastest running backs the league has ever seen. Now, Smith has written a highly-regarded book about his life, career, and the issues that are important to him. 

Smith will sign copies of his book The Rest of the Iceberg (Inkwater Press, 2004) at the Mall of America this Saturday, September 25, at the Sam Goody Rotunda between 12 and 3 pm. During a recent interview Smith (RS) shared with the Spokesman-Recorder (MSR) some of the highlights of his career, detailed in the book. 

MSR: What do you think the problem is with Black role models today?

RS: Too many Americans have bought into the idea that there's a right and a wrong way to be Black in America. We're starting to buy into the stereotypes we once despised. 

It used to be that Blacks wanted to get out of the ghetto and find a better life for themselves. Now, if you don't act "ghetto" or "like a thug," then you can't get any respect, especially in the sports world or entertainment. 

The truth is [that] you don't have to wear "ice" to be Black. The truth is that you aren't a "house nigger" if you speak proper English. The truth is that it's good to be intelligent and independent thinking. The schools should do a better job teaching young Black people about real role models from the Black community. 

MSR: Has fantasy football hurt or helped the game?

RS: Yes, it brings in the gambling aspect, but it also brings in higher viewership [TV ratings]. You can look at it two different ways. America is very obsessed with sports, and this is just another way for them to get involved with it. It brings a seedier side to it, of course. With gambling, that's another problem in and of itself. 

MSR: Some fans question your ability to "answer the bell." You were often injured; does that both you or concern you that some fans feel this way?

RS: When I look back at my career, when I was hurt, I was hurt. When I played, I played hard. Injuries are a part of the game. I was fortunate that my last year was the only year that I did not miss a game, even after all the years of taking abuse as far as answering the bell. 

My teammates that played with me knew that I was ready when it was time. When you look back at the championship game against Atlanta in 1998, and seeing how hard we ran the ball on that drive in particular to get in field goal position to win that game, I am proud of the things I did when I played as far as arriving when I was needed most by the team.

In that game in New York in 2000, the NFC championship when we were getting demolished, I never quit in that game. I think a lot of players did, unfortunately, but to me, until that gun went off, that game was not over.

MSR: What about your relationship with Chris Carter and Randy Moss? You guys were the prime time players.

RS: Like any office or any work situation, there are some players you're going to get along with more or less than other players. Obviously, when you have players that are identified as stars on the team, you know you have to work more closely together then the rest of the team. You have to be aware of creating a unified front for the rest of the team. 

Randy Moss and I were not boys; we did not hang out or anything like that, but we got along okay. We had our moments, and there were times when we did not get along, but we respected each other's value to the team.

Robert Smith will sign copies of his book The Rest of the Iceberg (Inkwater Press, 2004) at the Mall of America this Saturday, September 25, at the Sam Goody Rotunda between 12 and 3 pm.