Zach Smith: From Patriots Fan to NFL Statistician, Powered by Passion and Best Buddies

Zach Smith’s story is one of unwavering passion, statistical precision, and the transformative power of opportunity. From his childhood fascination with the intricacies of football to his current role as an ace statistician at NFL headquarters, Smith’s journey is an inspiring testament to the potential within everyone, regardless of perceived limitations.

Growing up in the heart of New England during the Patriots’ dominant era, Smith’s love for football was practically predestined. The region’s fervent fandom, coupled with the Patriots’ consistent success, created an environment where football was more than just a game; it was a cultural phenomenon. For young Zach, it was a captivating world waiting to be explored.

The "NFL Sunday Ticket," gifted to him for his eighth birthday, opened the floodgates to a comprehensive immersion in the sport. However, it was the annual NFL record and fact book that truly ignited his imagination. He devoured the pages, absorbing the history, the milestones, and the legendary figures who shaped the game. The stories of record-breaking performances and the evolution of statistics held a particular allure.

The 2004 season, witnessing Peyton Manning surpass Dan Marino’s single-season touchdown record, served as a pivotal moment in Smith’s budding obsession. The notion of athletes pushing the boundaries of what was deemed possible fascinated him. He diligently tracked the shifts in statistical trends, especially the rise of dual-threat quarterbacks who revolutionized offensive strategies.

This deep-seated fascination with numbers and records ultimately paved the way for Smith to land his dream job. At 27, he is now a valued member of the NFL’s statistical team, contributing to the accuracy and integrity of the game’s data. For Smith, it’s more than just a profession; it’s an embodiment of his lifelong passion.

Smith’s journey is particularly remarkable because he is autistic. Diagnosed at just two and a half years old, he initially hesitated to embrace his diagnosis. His father, Bob, noted that it wasn’t until his college years that Smith truly began to "own it" and become an advocate for others with autism.

This transformation was largely influenced by Best Buddies International, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing resources and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Best Buddies Job Program, which focuses on helping people with IDD achieve economic self-sufficiency, played a crucial role in connecting Smith with the NFL.

Smith’s involvement with Best Buddies began at Westborough High School in Massachusetts, where he eventually served as the school’s Buddy Director. He continued his involvement at Worcester State University, although he initially felt a sense of disconnection. However, after moving to the New York area, he reconnected with the organization and actively participates in its social events, finding a supportive and inclusive community.

Best Buddies’ impact on Smith extends far beyond his career. He credits the organization’s founder, Anthony Shriver, with creating a meaningful and life-changing resource for countless individuals. The organization provided Smith with a platform to embrace his identity, develop his social skills, and pursue his professional aspirations.

The NFL opportunity arose after Smith’s family sought Best Buddies’ assistance in securing an internship for him. While internships proved challenging, Best Buddies emphasized their focus on permanent employment. Following Smith’s graduation from Worcester State, magna cum laude, with a degree in communications and a minor in writing, the connection with the NFL was made.

His mother, Michele, vividly recalls the day of his interview with the NFL. As she listened anxiously from downstairs, Smith faced a barrage of football-related questions. To her relief and pride, he answered each one with precision and expertise.

Since joining the NFL, Smith has been instrumental in launching "NFL Able," an employee resource group (ERG) for employees with neurocognitive disabilities or those with family members diagnosed with such conditions. This groundbreaking ERG, the first of its kind in the league, aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for employees with diverse neurological profiles. Smith even contributed to the group’s logo design, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell attended the launch party, demonstrating the league’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Goodell emphasized that these diversity efforts are not merely a matter of compliance but a fundamental aspect of making the NFL a better organization. Smith echoes this sentiment, advocating for the importance of ensuring that all applicants are fairly considered, interviewed, and hired. He also stresses the need to provide adequate support and resources to employees with disabilities to ensure their success and integration into the workplace.

Smith’s manager, Ollie Auerbach, describes his role as validating game and play statistics and data as they come in. He praises Smith’s work ethic and dedication, noting that he has inputted more "perfect" games, free of any subsequent corrections, than anyone else on the team. Auerbach also emphasizes Smith’s extensive knowledge of football and statistics, a crucial asset for the position.

Beyond his technical skills, Smith is known for his positive attitude and his thoughtfulness towards his colleagues. He frequently brings in doughnuts or bagels for early morning shifts and distributes candy on Halloween. Auerbach appreciates Smith’s consistent practice of saying goodbye before leaving on game days, a simple gesture that contributes to the team’s camaraderie and positive atmosphere. Even in a stressful environment, Auerbach finds that Smith helps keep things in perspective.

Smith acknowledges his perfectionist tendencies but recognizes that striving for excellence is more important than achieving flawless results. He understands that mistakes are inevitable, but that the key is to learn from them and continue to give his best effort.

His parents initially assumed that Smith would live with them indefinitely. However, they now hope to encourage other families to reconsider similar assumptions and to seek out resources and support for their children with autism. They believe that with better education, information, and life-skills training, individuals with autism can achieve their full potential.

The Smiths acknowledge that they had concerns when Zach first moved to New York City. They worried about his ability to manage daily tasks, such as cooking dinner, and navigate the complexities of city life. However, Smith’s determination and resilience quickly allayed their fears.

Smith’s move to New York City and his success in his career have demonstrated his remarkable independence and his ability to thrive in a challenging environment. He has impressed his parents with his self-sufficiency and his unwavering pursuit of his goals.

Smith’s accomplishments extend beyond his professional life. He ran the New York City Marathon in November, achieving his goal of finishing in under four hours with a time of 3:59:30. This achievement underscores his dedication, discipline, and commitment to physical fitness.

While Smith faces challenges, such as heightened sensory sensitivities during his commute, he has developed strategies to manage these difficulties. He also benefits from a strong support system, including his sister, Kathryn, who is studying to become a school psychologist and participates in weekly family FaceTime calls to provide support and guidance.

His mother, Michele, who works in special education, encourages individuals with intellectual disabilities to identify their "focus-interest" and explore how it can be translated into a career. She emphasizes that everyone has strengths and that focusing on those strengths can open doors to meaningful employment opportunities.

Adding another remarkable element to Smith’s story, he shares something in common with football legends like Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, and Randy Moss: He caught a touchdown pass from Tom Brady.

In 2014, at the age of 17, Smith participated in the Best Buddies: Tom Brady Football Challenge, a charity event held at Harvard. Brady, serving as the universal quarterback, connected with Smith in the fourth quarter on a pass over the middle, resulting in a touchdown. Smith celebrated with a "Gronk-spike," a nod to his fellow New England Patriot.

Shortly after Smith was hired by the NFL, his touchdown was featured in a "Good Morning Football" segment. Brady himself shared the highlight on his Instagram story, congratulating Smith on his achievement and encouraging him to continue his great work.

Zach Smith’s journey is a powerful reminder that passion, perseverance, and opportunity can combine to unlock remarkable potential. His story is a source of inspiration for individuals with autism, their families, and anyone who has ever dared to dream big. As he continues to contribute to the world of football statistics, he serves as a shining example of what can be achieved with dedication, support, and a unwavering love for the game.