As was expected, veteran Ravens receiver Steve Smith announced tonight that his 16-year NFL career is officially coming to end. “It’s been real,” the 37-year-old Smith tweeted, along with a photo noting many of his career accomplishments.
As a third round pick in 2001, no one could have predicted the kind of career that Smith would have. The wide receiver became the face of the Panthers’ organization in his 13 years there and he played with a chip on his shoulder upon joining the Ravens in 2014. In his age-35 season, he caught 79 passes for 1,065 yards and six touchdowns, silencing doubters who thought his best days were behind him. He lost most of the 2015 season to injury, but he rebounded nicely this season as he caught 67 passes for 765 yards and five scores.
Smith will leave the game as a five-time Pro Bowler and a two-time First-Team All-Pro selection. He’s also one of just eleven players to have 1,000+ catches and 14,000 yards receiving. His legacy of tenacious play coupled with his gaudy stats should make him a strong candidate for the Hall of Fame. We here at PFR wish No. 89 the best in retirement.
He might get in the HOF but he better get in line behind other WRs. Plus his thug
how is he a thug? Please enlighten us in his criminal activity that leads to such a label. Oh that’s right you can’t. shut up Bigot Bob
Steve had a temper. So what. Lots of ppl do. He punched some teammates, got passionate and threw tantrums… BUT HE IS THE GOAT AT WR.
opposite of a thug. ultra competitive, yes. thug, hell no.
The opposite would be a true model citizen. While Steve is a nice guy, he has punched teammates. That’s a fact. Do I like him? Yes! But he’s not a thug or the opposite. But he’s much closer to the opposite than a thug. I think being in purple relaxed and matured him too.
He’s an HOF and he has to go in as a Panther
You know he’s bitter and holds grudges. I would bet he wants to be part of the Ravens wing in the HOF. But we will see in 5 years. Steve loves purple.
Lol heard that birdman. You have to admire his passion for the game; he was something special to watch and he did it the right way. He will be a no doubt hall of famer
without a doubt and his continued advocacy for family and anti spousal abuse is beyond admirable. Dude is one player I would not have a problem with my son looking to as a role model.
That’s a stretch there. But to each their own.
Thug? The man always played his ass off. Look up the definition!
Take a player with his attitude on the Jets anytime!
Great career, hall of famed
*fame
The GOAT. Forget the stats, the is the best guy, pound for pound, to ever play the WR position. We he came to Baltimore you saw him re-energized and his old self. It was like he was 25 again. He could have played at an elite level for another 10 years. Seems like coming to Baltimore makes you rediscover your prime, ask Weddle.
See you on the first ballot HOF vote Mr. Smith.