Rick said

AlexFAU06 said

Hey Rusty!
I don't know if you will get to read this…

Yes, he will read it.  FAU forwarded the link by request.

I also posted a link to this thread on his facebook page. He's a very humble guy I'm sure when he gets a chance he'll read through this and it wouldn't surprise me to have a response from him

Rusty,

Thanks for your dedication, leadership and being the consummate professional! Now it's time to finish what you started, earning your degree. I promise you, you'll never forget it.

God Bless. 

Rusty:
Thanks for everything you've done and I hope you stay active in Owl Country as an active alumnus.

Here's a story to remember, and to share with others who may not know the "real Rusty:"
2006 - FAU vs. UNT. The prOWLers and I fly out to NTexas for the game. My dad had just moved to San Antonio and it was the first time seeing him in months.

He threw out his back the morning of the game.

My dad encouraged me to leave him at the hotel and go enjoy the game because he wanted to sleep. At halftime, the team leaves the tunnel, enters on to the field and Rusty STOPS, turns around, runs back to the visiting team stands, jumps up on the side, climbs a few feet up to get eye-level with me and says "how's your dad? wish him well." gives me a high-five and leaves.

THATS RUSTY SMITH when a football is not in his hands.

Rusty,

Good luck with the injury and hope you have a full recovery.  You've done a lot for all of us here in owl country and none of us will forget that.  Two amazing seasons back to back!  I'll be the first to admit that I criticized you pretty bad when you first started with us, but as with many of us, you showed us we were dead wrong, and I'm glad I got the opporitunity to watch you play.  Good luck in anything you do, although with your talent, you don't need my luck. :D.  GO OWLS!

8) Rusty, you put a smile on every alumnus who had to endure long commutes to get a college education – many of us worked full time, paid our own way, and carried a full load every semester until we graduated. Your competiveness and work ethic seemed to embody FAU's humble beginnings. Having a football program felt like a luxury, but I could not have imagined the cheers, excitement, and pride you would bring to our school, and the program.

Best regards for your continued success, and we will be cheering for you on Sundays.