That's because the number belongs to agent 89, the best player in Panthers franchise history (for now). So here's a tribute to former Panther and future Hall of Honor inductee WR Steve Smith Sr.
Born: May 12, 1979 (age 37), Los Angeles, CA
Height: 5′ 9″
40 yard dash time: 4.39 seconds
Spouse: Angie Smith (m. 2000)
Current team: Baltimore Ravens (#89 / Wide receiver)
Education: Santa Monica College (1997–1999), University High School (1997), University of Utah
Smith, a five-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro, emerged as one of the NFL's most productive wide receivers of the 21st century, leading the league in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns in 2005 (Jerry Rice and Sterling Sharpe are the only other NFL players ever to have recorded a "triple crown").
He spent his entire career with the Panthers until signing with the Ravens in March 2014, and is the Panthers' all-time leader in total touchdowns (67), receptions (836), and receiving yards (12,197). In 2011, he became the 35th player in NFL history to amass 10,000 receiving yards. Smith also leads all active NFL players in all-purpose yardage.[1]
His 2005 season was one of the best in the NFL for a WR of all time as he led the Panthers to the NFC conference championship where they came up short.
Here's a list of his team records:
- 2nd leading scorer all time (John Kasay is 1st)
- Holds 3 of the top 4 receiving seasons in Panthers history
- Most receiving yards in a game (218 vs Bears Jan 15, 2006 playoffs)
- Most 100 yard receiving games in a season (9 in 2005)
- Most receptions in a single post season (27 in 2005)
I'm sure there are more.
Moving to highlight videos, its hard to find anything recent that doesn't include the Ravens, in particular the game against us. I found a nice Top 5 plays video that had the X-Clown catch, the broken arm catch against the Giants and the broken gang tackle against the Texans. Two of the plays though are as a Raven.
Here's a highlight video that though it shows Smith in a Ravens uni and the game against us, it also shows how tough he was and the X-Clown play in 2003.
Smith doesn't get enough credit for his down field blocking or toughness but that video shows a little of it.
I miss you Smitty. I'd welcome you back in a skinny second. I can only hope when you hang up your cleats you'll don the Panther uni one last time to retire a Panther as it should be. Anything less would be a huge disappointment in my book.
Oh and we would be remiss to not rehash the NFL Rules & Regulations, established by Agent 89 himself.
This is one of my favorite posts all time on CSR. You'll have to click through to see the comments where we established a few more rules beyond the top 5.
NFL Rules & Regulations According to #89 - Cat Scratch Reader
The Rules and Regulations of the NFL per #89
Rule #1: Catch the Damn Ball!
The first rule has to involve the art of the catch. There is NO excuse for dropping a ball if you even get a pinky on it. So your favorite WR can make a one-handed catch. #89 makes one-armed catches. That's right, no matter if the other arm is broken with bones grinding against each other 89 completes the catch and then walks off the field talking smack all the way. There's no dropping the ball after a so-called ‘big hit' like prima donna WR's do. 89 makes the catch, period.
Rule #2: Score the Touchdown
When 89 has the opportunity to score he scores, come hell or broken arm (reference rule #1). There is no ‘almost scored' in the realm of 89. There is no running out of bounds. There is only 6 points. 89 exists to be in the end zone and to that end he never stops. If you should be the DB that allowed 89 into the end zone (many of the best have) then do expect to be reminded by 89 as to rule #2. Pictured: 89 indicates Rule #2 has been enforced!
Rule #3: Palm to Grill
If you should be so unfortunate as to come within a 3 foot circle of 89 when 89 has the ball you will receive a palm to your grill that is attached to a very stiff and muscular arm. Do not let the measurable size of 89 fool you, if you invade the 3 foot circle you will receive punishment no matter who you are. 89 takes his space seriously and so should you.
Rule #4: You Have No Name
In the realm of 89 you have no given name, just a number, and the number at the top of the list is...is 89. Your number is made of digits, like 22, not spelled out like "Ocho Cinco". You being the lowly number that you are can only hope to get close to 89 but you will never be equal. 89 is the Ace of Spades in the NFL (damn the 90's).
Rule #5: Watch Your Blind-side
89 not only catches the ball in God-like fashion but he can also dominant in run blocking. If you are a DB looking to make a tackle on a stretch play be forewarned that 89 will drill you on your blind slide and subsequently spring the RB for a TD. See 89 relishes all TD's scored by Panthers and takes great pride in it. So if you are a DB laying on the turf as a Panther RB goes by and are wondering what just happened, well its easy. Rule #5 by 89.
Share your favorite Steve Smith stories in the comments!