After the Olympic triumph Smith tried the N.F.L (National Football League) for three years for the Browns.

Then Smith went back to school and got his degree in sociology. 

Tommie Smith went on to become an Assistant Professor of Physical Education at the school  Oberlin College in Northeast Ohio.  Tommie Smith worked there for 6 years in the 1970's.

When Smith was done at Oberlin College he went on to be a Track coach at Santa Monica College.

After retiring Tommie Smith remains in demand as a public speaker, and continues to be a recipient of the national and international media interview attention for his insight and recollections.