Smitty's tweet from early this morning:
It’s official. This year the name on the back of my jersey will read Smith Sr. #itsaboy #agent89sr #panthernation pic.twitter.com/S0vhWecfLJ
— Steve Smith (@89SteveSmith) February 7, 2014
Not only does this confirm what we already knew -- that Smith will be back for a 14th NFL season in electric blue, but it also evokes fantasies of another 'Steve Smith' suiting up for the Panthers in a couple decades.
If Steve can clear it with the league office, his 89 jersey reading "Smith Sr." is sure to be a hit with fans, too. In that event, You can keep an eye out here periodically for a chance to pick one up.
Having "Sr." on the back of the jersey is actually pretty fitting. Smith turns 35 in May and is the oldest player on the roster. When things got tough early last season, it was Smitty who gave the team a much needed wake-up call/kick in the pants, prompting the team to win 11 of their remaining 12 games.
Steve Smith Jr. will be Smith's fourth child. No doubt having three considerably older siblings will toughen the youngster up (if that's possible considering the source of the child).
Speaking from experience, having a young child is tough... It's a lot of work, but at the same time it's something that keeps you young. May this child breathe some fresh air into Smitty's life, and ensure that he is spry enough to play for another 40 years. Hear, hear!
Congratulations, Smitty! Way to put a stem on that apple!