Lee Smith (American football)

Joseph "Lee" Smith (born November 21, 1987) is an American football tight end for the Buffalo Bills. He was drafted by the Patriots in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football for the Marshall Thundering Herd.

Smith is the son of former Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Daryle Smith.

Collegiate career
Smith originally committed and enrolled at the University of Tennessee, where his father Daryle played. However, after being charged with DUI on campus, he was immediately dismissed by head coach Phillip Fulmer. Smith would then enroll at Marshall University.

Smith shared playing time with Kansas City Chiefs tight end, Cody Slate, throughout most of his first three seasons at Marshall. As a full time starter in 2010, Smith finished the year with career highs in receiving yards, receptions, and touchdowns. He also was named to the Conference USA All-Academic team and invited to the Senior Bowl

New England Patriots
Smith was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 28th pick of 5th round, 159 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. He was released by the Patriots on September 3, 2011 and claimed by the Buffalo Bills on September 4, 2011.

Buffalo Bills
On September 4, 2011 Smith was claimed off waivers by the Buffalo Bills. His first regular season NFL appearance was on October 2, 2011 against the Bengals at Cincinnati.