Former HOF exec Don Smith dead at 84

Former Pro Football Hall of Fame executive Don Smith died on Sunday in Tucson, Ariz., after a lengthy illness. He was 84.

The Hall of Fame announced Smith's death on Monday.

Smith began his career at the Hall of Fame in 1968 as director of public relations. He was promoted to vice president of public relations in 1979, a position he held until his 1997 retirement.

Smith also held positions with the Denver Bears baseball team, the University of Denver athletic department, the Western Athletic Conference, the Denver Broncos and the New Orleans Saints.

He also served as administrator for the Hall of Fame's selection system for election of new members.