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Lovie Smith's ties to small hometown still loom large

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith still gives back to his small town of Big Sandy, Texas. (Eve Edelheit, Times)

BIG SANDY, Texas — When Lovie Smith's hometown wanted to name a street after him nearly a decade ago, even the biggest roads in this quiet town 100 miles east of Dallas would have been a modest honor.

But Smith chose the tiny road where he grew up, on the south edge of town. It may not show up on the map on your phone, but Lovie Smith Drive runs the length of maybe two football fields between West Old Waters Bluff Road and Lyles Street.