According to a report by Andrew Dys at The Herald newspaper in South Carolina, former Panthers running back/kick returner Rod Smart is missing.
“Police in Lancaster County are asking for the public’s help locating a former Carolina Panthers football player who has been missing for almost a week,” Dys wrote. “Torrold Smart, 42, was last seen June 12 near Indian Land in Indian Land, near Charlotte and Fort Mill, deputies said.”
Smart played college football at Western Kentucky but went undrafted and eventually signed with the Chargers in 2000. He did not appear in a game, though, and the next year he made his claim to fame by playing in the XFL’s inaugural season with “He Hate Me” on the back of his jersey. The nickname, and Smart, became a pop culture sensation.
After the league folded, Smart was claimed off waivers by the Panthers in 2002 and led the team in special teams tackles that season. For the next four years, he worked primarily as a kickoff returner, totaling 1,731 yards and a touchdown on 78 attempts in the regular season.
Since Smart has been out of football, he’s been working as a personal trainer in the Charlotte area.
Per the report, police are asking for anyone with information on Smart’s whereabouts to call the Lancaster County sheriff’s office at 803-283-3388.
