2002: 70 Total Tackles - 59 Solo, 11 ASSTs, 6 Sacks, 9 Stuffs. 0 FFs, 0 INTs, 2 PDs.
After signing a generous 6-year contract, perhaps some fans expected a little more out of Aaron this season, but considering the realities of playing DE in the 3-4 scheme, Aaron had a another solid season. High points of his season include the October New Orleans game where he led the team with 9 tackles (seven solo) and the December Carolina game where he shared (with Chad Scott)a team-high six tackles (all solo) that produced 7 yards in losses, as well as recovering a fumble and registering 2 quarterback pressures. Aaron is also proving to be one of the most durable players on the roster. Once the Steelers tweak some of their coverage problems, some opportunities should open themselves for Aaron in 2003.

A 1999 fourth round selection out of Northern Colorado , Smith has developed into an impressive 3-4 left defensive end for the Steelers. In the 2000 season, Smith stepped in early to replace the injured Chris Sullivan and has been the starter ever since. He had an outstanding 2001 season, with 8 sacks and signed a 6-year deal with the Steelers in the off-season.

At Northern Colorado, Aaron sas a consensus Division II first-team All-America selection and an All-North Conference first team pick. He was voted the conference's Most Valuable Defensive Lineman and holds Northern Colorado's career sack record with 44.