Wayne Smith played for 10 years in the CFL, playing for six clubs as a defensive lineman. In 1969 he was a raw talent playing for the Halifax Buccaneers, an amateur club that played exhibition games against universities, service and other competition. Smith never played high school or college football but was discovered by Bob Hayes, the Athletic Director at Saint Mary’s University. Hayes recommended him to the brass of the Montreal Allouettes and was offered a tryout.

Smith was not placed on the Alouettes’ negotiation list and was quickly signed by the Ottawa Rough Riders. By 1972, he was a full-fledged star gaining all-star status on the Eastern Division and All-Canadian teams.

In 1974, Smith was the Eastern nominee for the Schenley Award as an outstanding lineman in the CFL. He won the Grey Cup in 1973 with the Rough Riders. Wayne Smith was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 1984.