Bruce Smith is hurting. He’s feeling the effects of those 299 total games played, those 214.5 total sacks (playoffs included). Many nights, he’s in so much pain that he barely grabs a wink of sleep.

So just imagine how all those quarterbacks feel.

Those 76 different quarterbacks he sacked.

The Buffalo Bills legend is truly one of the greatest football players to ever live. On this episode of “How the NFL Works” at Go Long, Smith explains exactly how he was able to dominate offenses. The Pro Football Hall of Famer was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team in both the 80s and 90s. Nobody sacked the quarterback more than him — not Reggie White, not Lawrence Taylor. There’s a very good chance his regular-season record of 200 lasts for a long, long time. For perspective, Myles Garrett still has 98 sacks to go.

And yet, Smith also knows his career could’ve crumbled if he didn’t look in the mirror and demand changes from himself. From brutal training sessions on a StairMaster to his diet to — above all — meticulous film study, Smith became a monstrous force vs. the pass and the run on the Bills team that reached four straight Super Bowls. And he did it while playing in a 3-4 defense.

Indeed, there’s an art to the destruction.

On this episode, Smith doesn’t hold back on a variety of topics.

* His life turnaround, from 310 pounds and out of shape to 6.3 percent body fat.

* His relationship with Bills fans. It has evolved. During the ‘91 season, he received racist letters and wanted out of Buffalo. One conversation with Marv Levy changed his mind.

* Stories from the trenches. What did Joe Montana and Dan Marino have to say after Smith flattened them?

* What kind of owner was Ralph Wilson?

* What was the missing piece on his Super Bowl teams?

* Josh Allen. Smith marvels at the team’s MVP-worthy quarterback today. He keeps in touch with Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane, too.

* Yes, Smith believes he’s got the case to make as the greatest defensive player ever.

Video and audio are available here.

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Here is the written transcript:

Past episodes of “How the NFL Works:”

* S1, E8: Quarterback Bliss with Matt Hasselbeck

* S1, E7: BLITZBURGH with Levon Kirkland

* S1 E6: The Domination of Chris Lindstrom

* S1 E5: Inside Kenny Clark's Lair

* S1 E4: 'Get a Quarterback' with Super Bowl champ and ex-NFL exec Jim Monos

* S1 E3: Resurrecting a Franchise with Ron Wolf

* S1 E2: Life After Football with Ryan Leaf

* S1 E1: Building the 2024 Quarterback with Quincy Avery

We also chatted with Bruce Smith a few years back. Here’s that Q&A:

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