The end of one of the best careers in the NFL is near. Steve Smith Sr, who is in his second season with the Baltimore Ravens, will be retiring at season’s end.
The veteran is entering his 15th season in the NFL and he announced today that this season will be his final catching passes as a member of the NFL’s elite.
Following from Kevin Patra of NFL.com.
“I feel like this is the best place, if this is going to be the end, this will be the best place to end,” the Baltimore Ravens receiver said.
“I think it’s always easier when you know you have a finish line, Smith added. “You get to let things loose…it’s just, man, whatever happens, let the chips fall where they may.”
Smith was drafted in the third round in 2001 by the Carolina Panthers and the 5-foot-9 receiver has been one of the most physical pass catchers throughout the course of his career.
He’s made some fantastic plays on the football field and shot down the idea of a short receiver not being successful in the NFL. He’s paved the way for small guys after him like Wes Welker, DeSean Jackson and T.Y. Hilton.
Entering his final season, the five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All Pro is ranked 14th all-time in NFL history with 13,262 career receiving yards, 33rd all-time with 73 touchdowns, 18th all-time with 915 catches through 14 seasons.
Smith will provide an interesting Hall of Fame debate
The 36-year-old receiver also had eight seasons with 1,000-plus yards receiving, including last year, which was his first in Baltimore after being the face of the Panthers? franchise for more than a decade before the Panthers deemed him as old and expendable.
