Albert J. “A.J.” Smith began his career in semi-professional football with the Attleboro Kings of the Eastern football League. He was inducted into the American Football Association’s Minor/Semi-Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.

Smith served as the executive vice president and general manager of the NFL’s San Diego Chargers. He was a part-time scout, full-time scout, assistant director of scouting, director of scouting and assistant general manager before being promoted to general manager of the Chargers. Smith directed the Chargers to five AFC West division titles and eight consecutive seasons without a losing record.