Longtime Denver Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith, a team leader and one of the last remaining links to the franchise's Super Bowl victories, is retiring.
He leaves as the team's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches.
Smith was amazingly athletic and emerged as John Elway's go-to deep threat in the 1997 season, after which the team won its first championship. But I'll always remember him for his work ethic and attitude.
Smith wasn't drafted, but he worked his way up through the Broncos' organization, going from the practice squad to the punt returner to the No. 1 receiver in just a few years. His rise was somewhat overshadowed by that of his running mate, Ed McCaffrey, who had a similar story, coming from nowhere into NFL stardom. Together they were the toughest tandem in the league, neither ever flinching over the middle, and both serving as outstanding run blockers. McCaffrey was a little more popular during Denver's fantastic run and had better commercials (McDonald's vs. Blackjack? Come on), but Smith surpassed him, Lionel Taylor, and everyone else on his way to becoming the best Broncos wide receiver ever.
When I think of Rod Smith, there are two plays that come to mind. The first was his 80-yard touchdown catch in Super Bowl XXXIII against the Falcons. He and Elway made it look much too easy to be memorable under other circumstances, but I remember spending most of that halftime trying to throw a similar touchdown past my friends' neighbors. Smith didn't make the Pro Bowl until 2000 for some reason, but he was on top of the football world that night.
The second moment is more symbolic of Smith's career path. It came in a 2004 regular-season game against the Carolina Panthers, a game the Broncos won by three. Early in the third quarter, the Broncos went for it on a fourth-and-goal at Carolina's one-yard line. Jake Plummer threw an interception to Julius Peppers, who looked to have an easy touchdown. Instead, Rod Smith chased Peppers down from the far side of the field and tackled him at the three-yard line, giving Peppers a 101-yard non-scoring return. The Panthers went on to score, but the effort fired up the Broncos.
I've been looking and looking and the quote I can find from Smith is, "I owe it to the other guys that are out there to play hard and do anything," but I remember him saying of the play that it could have been the last of his career and he wouldn't have wanted it to end without doing everything he could. As cheesy as it sounds, it was one of the coolest things I've ever heard an athlete say.
Thanks to John for the tip.
A small collection of cool Rod Smith quotes can be found here. I remember enough of these to think the list is generally legit.
He leaves as the team's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches.
Smith was amazingly athletic and emerged as John Elway's go-to deep threat in the 1997 season, after which the team won its first championship. But I'll always remember him for his work ethic and attitude.
Smith wasn't drafted, but he worked his way up through the Broncos' organization, going from the practice squad to the punt returner to the No. 1 receiver in just a few years. His rise was somewhat overshadowed by that of his running mate, Ed McCaffrey, who had a similar story, coming from nowhere into NFL stardom. Together they were the toughest tandem in the league, neither ever flinching over the middle, and both serving as outstanding run blockers. McCaffrey was a little more popular during Denver's fantastic run and had better commercials (McDonald's vs. Blackjack? Come on), but Smith surpassed him, Lionel Taylor, and everyone else on his way to becoming the best Broncos wide receiver ever.
When I think of Rod Smith, there are two plays that come to mind. The first was his 80-yard touchdown catch in Super Bowl XXXIII against the Falcons. He and Elway made it look much too easy to be memorable under other circumstances, but I remember spending most of that halftime trying to throw a similar touchdown past my friends' neighbors. Smith didn't make the Pro Bowl until 2000 for some reason, but he was on top of the football world that night.
The second moment is more symbolic of Smith's career path. It came in a 2004 regular-season game against the Carolina Panthers, a game the Broncos won by three. Early in the third quarter, the Broncos went for it on a fourth-and-goal at Carolina's one-yard line. Jake Plummer threw an interception to Julius Peppers, who looked to have an easy touchdown. Instead, Rod Smith chased Peppers down from the far side of the field and tackled him at the three-yard line, giving Peppers a 101-yard non-scoring return. The Panthers went on to score, but the effort fired up the Broncos.
I've been looking and looking and the quote I can find from Smith is, "I owe it to the other guys that are out there to play hard and do anything," but I remember him saying of the play that it could have been the last of his career and he wouldn't have wanted it to end without doing everything he could. As cheesy as it sounds, it was one of the coolest things I've ever heard an athlete say.
Thanks to John for the tip.
A small collection of cool Rod Smith quotes can be found here. I remember enough of these to think the list is generally legit.
Comments
Plus, I love a player who is underrated and spends his time trying to get better and help his team. In that way, he is the quintessential Bronco, and though it was time for him to hang 'em up, his presence will be missed.
I would love to see him back as a receivers coach to teach younger players how to go across the middle, block, and get it done in the trenches for their team.
David, Smith's career totals put him in consideration. It's hard to find official lists, but Wikipedia says he's 15th all-time in receptions and this list suggests he's 18th all time in receiving yardage. That's probably a little less impressive than it sounds, considering how many of his contemporaries are already ahead of him (Tim Brown, Marvin Harrison, Isaac Bruce, T.O., Randy Moss). To me this suggests his numbers might be a little inflated by rule changes and trends in the game designed to favor passing, and despite his totals Smith only went to three Pro Bowls (though he was All-Pro twice).
On the other hand, he played on two championship teams and contributed in other ways, such as with his blocking. I'd rather have him on my team than most of those guys ahead of him.
I think the other question is what you look for in a Hall of Famer: pure dominance or sustained greatness over years. I'm going back and forth right now, but I think Terrell Davis, for example, deserves to go in ahead of Smith. I think Smith was definitely good enough to make it in, and I bet he's better than some of the guys already in, so in that sense he certainly deserves it. Just with the way things go (he was a little underrated while playing) I'll be a little surprised if he actually makes it in anytime soon. What do you guys think?
you raise the issue of dominance, which i agree - is important in the HOFer litmus test.
i don't think terrel davis is going to get in, so rod smith probably won't go in any time soon.
how about this - who will be the next bronco to go into the hall of fame?
if he retires with us, champ bailey right?
Technically Gary Zimmerman next month will be the next Bronco in. I also expect Shannon Sharpe will make it in before Champ. I always felt like Steve Atwater (eight Pro Bowls) deserved consideration but he's long gone from the public mind. Tom Nalen could also make it, though I'd guess Champ goes in before Nalen or Atwater. Jason Elam was close to that caliber of player for a long time but there's no way he goes in before Adam Vinatieri.