I was sixteen years old when we drafted Bruce Smith, so I saw a little bit of football before then and a lot afterward. Bruce Smith is the best defensive end I have ever seen. If he had played in a 4-3 like Reggie White did with guys like Clyde Simmons and Jerome Brown next to him? The sack total race wouldn't even be close.
And about the money. I used to get ticked when he sat out, like everyone else. Then he'd make some great clutch play in his first game back that no one else in the league could make, and I'd look at my dad and go "he's worth it." With apologies to Thurman, OJ, et al, Bruce Smith is really the one Buffalo Bill that we can claim is the very best ever at his position and know that while other teams' fans might argue, deep down they know we're right.
I just wish he wasn't afraid of the damn flu shot, that's all.
Aaron Donald would be wishing he got Bruce Smith money.