Steve Smith was a star for the Oregon Ducks and he was incredibly exceptional for the Ducks' 2002 Fiesta Bowl matchup against the Colorado Buffaloes. Not only did Smith lead the team in interceptions that season but he had a record-setting performance in the bowl game.
Smith, to this day, is the only player in Fiesta Bowl history to record three interceptions as he and the Ducks stormed to a 38-16 victory over the Buffs. After the game, the Oregon defensive back was named the Defensive MVP and, to this day, has the second-most pass breakups in program history.
As a part of Black History Month, the Fiesta Bowl, which is now sponsored by Vrbo instead of Tostitos, honored Smith by recognizing his incredible achievement during the 2002 game.
Only 1️⃣ player in Fiesta Bowl history has 3️⃣ interceptions in a game.
— Vrbo Fiesta Bowl (@Fiesta_Bowl) February 17, 2025
Steve Smith, the 2002 Defensive MVP, set a Bowl record with three interceptions in @oregonfootball’s 38-16 victory over Colorado. #BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/xV5yBCwms3
Throughout the 2001-02 season, Smith snagged nine interceptions, including the three in the bowl game. He had six interceptions during the regular season for an impressive 104 yards and one touchdown. During his four-year career for the Ducks, Smith had 10 total interceptions and 56 pass breakups.
Smith went on to be selected 246th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2002 NFL Draft. The former Duck played just one season for the Jags as he bounced between the active roster and the practice squad. Over the next three years, Smith experienced a similar journey for the New Orleans Saints and the Tennessee Titans.
Before hanging up his cleats in 2005, Smith played one season of football overseas for the Cologne Centurions where he intercepted one pass for a seven-yard return.
While Smith's professional career may have not unfolded the way that many Duck fans expected, he will always be a Duck legend.