20/20 Interview with Jeff Smith
This week, senior writer and creator of this weekly newsletter, Jeff Smith, spent a few minutes answering some questions so you could get to know him a bit more. Enjoy!
Where are you from?
I was born in England and moved around a lot due to my father being in the Air Force. When I was 8 years old, he got diabetes and a medical discharge and then returned to his hometown of Jamestown, New York where I have lived since then.
What do you do for your regular job?
Up until a month ago, I was a systems administrator for a compounding pharmacy. I am now proud to say I am a business owner with two stores now open and plans to open many more.
What is the worst job you have ever had?
Tie between dishwasher and Taco Bell. I didn’t last even a week at either of them.
What is the best job you have ever had?
I would say my current job since I am now my own boss and will be able to set my own schedule soon once things settle down in the new store and we become fully staffed. Systems admin at my last job was pretty darn good though as well.
What do you consider your dream job?
I would say anything that would allow me to work for an NFL or MLB team in IT or data in some fashion.
How long have you been in the industry?
Since January of 2019.
How did you get your break into fantasy football?
I saw a tweet that FF Statistics was hiring writers. I submitted a sample article and was hired. That year I wrote over 60 articles for them before they were acquired by DLF.
What tool do you use the most on DLF?
I would say probably the trade analyzer.
What tool do you use the most outside of DLF?
Draftbuddy.com and sports reference come to mind.
Who was the best sleeper you pegged that broke out?
I was pretty high on Dak Prescott right from the get-go. It paid off well for me in many leagues.
Who was your biggest whiff?
Probably Ian Thomas. I thought with Olson out of the picture, he would excel.
What is the worst trade you have made?
Gave up Tyreek Hill and Ronald Jones for Kenyan Drake, Kalen Ballage, and Manny Sanders. 2018. Made sense at the time.
Who is your favorite underfollowed Twitter account?
@NickPenticoff. He is a super guy and puts out great content.
Who is your favorite NFL team?
Chicago Bears since I turned on the TV at 8 years old and saw Walter Payton play.
Who is your favorite college football team?
Florida State Seminoles. As with the Bears, turned on ESPN at 8 years old and saw Osceola and Renegade. I was hooked.
Who was your favorite player growing up?
Walter Payton. Because he was “sweetness.”
Who is your favorite player of all time?
See above.
What other hobbies or passions do you have outside of fantasy football?
Playing video games, music, golf, spending time with family, and enjoying an occasional craft beer from a local brewery.
What are some of your favorite movies?
Godfather, Scarface, Goodfellas, Star Wars saga, Marvel movies, Remember the Titans. I could go on for days.
Who are some of your favorite bands?
I can listen to anything from metal to country to rap. Some of my favorites would be Alice in Chains, Tool, Mudvayne, 2Pac, Biggie, DMB, Dierks Bentley, Gary Allan, and so on. Mostly just listen to Sirius XM and change channels based on my mood.
