"I am an alcoholic- I always have been and always will be," the former Minnesota Vikings star said in a candid social media post.
"It's not my fault, but it's my problem. Today marks 7 years of sobriety but that can change if I believe for a second that I'm different from every other alcoholic. I'm grateful I know that today. One day at a time."
Smith was a BEAST on the field -- he rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his final 4 seasons before retiring at 28 after the 2000 season.
The 47-year-old has been open about his struggles with alcohol -- saying he knew he had substance abuse issues back in high school but thought he could control it.