**Awesome Congratulations: Bruce Smith Returns in Advisory Role to Virginia Tech Hokies – Fans Rejoice as 68-Year-Old Icon Becomes New General Manager….

**Awesome Congratulations: Bruce Smith Returns in Advisory Role to Virginia Tech Hokies – Fans Rejoice as 68-Year-Old Icon Becomes New General Manager….

 

Virginia Tech football fans are celebrating a historic and emotional moment as legendary Hokie and NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Smith has officially returned to the program. At 68 years old, Smith is taking on a new and influential role as General Manager in an advisory capacity, marking a powerful homecoming for one of the most iconic figures in Virginia Tech athletics history.

The announcement, recently shared by Virginia Tech and covered in an ESPN feature, sparked immediate excitement and pride among Hokie fans across the country. Bruce Smith, widely regarded as the greatest defensive player in school and NFL history, is now back in Blacksburg to help guide the next generation of student-athletes. His return symbolizes more than just a job title—it represents a renewed connection between the program’s storied past and its aspirations for the future.

Smith’s impact on the game is almost unparalleled. As a defensive end for the Virginia Tech Hokies from 1981 to 1984, he was a dominant force, earning All-American honors and the Outland Trophy for the nation’s best interior lineman. He went on to become the first overall pick in the 1985 NFL Draft and built a legendary professional career with the Buffalo Bills and the Washington Football Team. He remains the NFL’s all-time sack leader, with 200 career sacks, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.

Now, in his role as General Manager for Virginia Tech football, Smith will serve in an advisory and leadership capacity, working closely with the coaching staff, athletic department, and recruiting operations. While he won’t be coaching directly on the field, his insights, mentorship, and influence will be invaluable. The position is designed to bridge the gap between athletics and administration, and Smith’s extensive experience both on and off the field makes him uniquely qualified for the job.

Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry expressed his enthusiasm for the move, calling Smith’s return “a game-changing moment for our program.” Pry emphasized that Smith’s presence will not only inspire players but also enhance the school’s recruiting efforts. Having a living legend involved in the daily operations sends a strong message about the university’s commitment to excellence.

Fans have responded with overwhelming positivity. Social media lit up with congratulatory messages and tributes to Smith’s legacy. Alumni, former teammates, and NFL players praised the decision, calling it a perfect fit and a full-circle moment for a man who never forgot his roots.

Smith, for his part, said he was honored and humbled to return to the program that launched his legendary career. “Virginia Tech gave me my foundation,” he said in a statement. “Now it’s my turn to give back and help shape the future of Hokie football.”

As the Hokies prepare for the upcoming season, the return of Bruce Smith adds not just a respected name to the staff, but a symbol of pride, leadership, and Hokie spirit. His presence is sure to inspire both the team and the fanbase as they chase success in the years ahead.