Growing up in New England during the Patriots’ dynasty, Zach Smith naturally fell in love with football. But it wasn’t just the games that captivated him — it was the numbers, the records, and the history behind every play.
For his eighth birthday, a relative gifted him the “NFL Sunday Ticket” package, but the gift he truly treasured every year was the NFL’s record and fact book. Watching Peyton Manning break Dan Marino’s single-season touchdown record in 2004 solidified his fascination with the evolution of the game.
Now, at 27, Smith works as a statistician at NFL headquarters in New York, living out his dream job. He’s also autistic — and he’s using his platform to advocate for inclusivity in the workplace.
Finding Community Through Football
Smith was diagnosed with autism at 2 ½ years old. For much of his life, he didn’t talk about it. But that changed when he got involved with Best Buddies International, a nonprofit supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Through Best Buddies’ job program, Smith secured a position with the NFL. He recently worked his fourth Super Bowl, validating live game statistics and contributing to the league’s accuracy efforts.
“It’s a dream come true,” Smith said. “I can’t imagine life without football or being anywhere else on Sundays.”
The Road tothe NFL
Smith’s journey wasn’t without challenges. His family struggled to find internship opportunities during college, but Best Buddies remained committed to helping him land permanent employment. After graduating magna cum laude from Worcester State University, Smith aced his NFL interview — answering more football questions than any candidate before him.
“They just kept asking, and he kept answering,” his mother, Michele, recalled.
Since joining the league, Smith has become a standout employee. According to his manager, Ollie Auerbach, no one has logged more “perfect” games — meaning no post-game stat corrections — than Smith.
He even helped launch “NFL Able,” the league’s first employee resource group for individuals with neurocognitive disabilities. Commissioner Roger Goodell attended the launch, and Smith hopes the group can grow its impact in the coming years.
Thriving in New York City
Despite initial concerns from his parents, Smith adapted quickly to life in Hoboken, New Jersey. He even ran the New York City Marathon, finishing in under four hours.
There are challenges — crowded commutes can be overwhelming, and strangers approaching him isn’t always easy. But regular FaceTime calls with his family, including his sister Kathryn, who’s studying to become a school psychologist, help him navigate obstacles.
Smith encourages others with autism to turn their passions into careers.
“Everyone has strengths,” his mother said. “For Zach, it was statistics and football. And he turned that into a job he loves.”
Catching a Pass from Brady
Long before joining the NFL, Smith had a football moment he’ll never forget.
At a 2014 Best Buddies charity event, he caught a touchdown pass from Tom Brady — spiking the ball in true Gronk style. When Smith was hired by the league, Brady shared the clip on Instagram with a message:
“Congrats Zach!! Keep up the great work.”
Smith intends to do just that, keeping stats and supporting the sport he’s loved since childhood — a place he truly belongs.
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