Where do I start? Now that I'm starting this post I don't think I can do the player and his impact on this franchise justice. I guess I'll just stick to how I feel about it.
For me WR Steve Smith is my favorite NFL player of all time (and I've been watching the NFL since the late 70's). I loved the way he played the game, his toughness, his TD celebrations, his ability as a WR and his non-stop motor on every play. For every great catch he made you can find a comparable block he made down the field. For a guy that 5'9" 185 lbs he was a huge presence on the field. Off the field he was pretty darn entertaining too. He has some classic post game interviews.
In his prime Smitty had to be accounted for by the defense on every play or he would take it to the house. Who can forgot the 2005 Triple Crown season where he lead the NFL in receptions, receiving yards and receiving TDs, that last player to ever do it (and ever to do it again).
Here's Smith's final NFL stats after 16 seasons:
1,031 receptions for 14,731 receiving yards (14.3 ypr avg) and 81 touchdowns
Let's not forget he was a pretty good return guy too early in his career. He averaged over 24 yards on 98 returns with 2 TDs.
Many (but not all) agree he is a first ballot Hall of Famer. The question is whether he will make the Panthers Hall of Honor. I would not have even questioned it a couple weeks ago but since GM Dave Gettleman's presser last week where he said the decision for Smith to retire a Panther 'was above his pay grade' I'm not so sure. Might Panthers owner Jerry Richardson have decided against it for some reason? Sure I guess but why I sure can't imagine a valid reason. If the Big Cat should snub him I will be hugely disappointed.
But I won't want to take away from my mini celebration here. Let's take a walk back in time.
The Smitty Rules & Regulations might be my most enjoyable post ever.
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).
Of course that came from this wonderful post-game presser:
Now how about a highlight video.
Here's a good one.
As far as big moments there was none bigger than the Clown-X TD he caught to beat the Rams in the Panthers run to the 2003 SB.
How about when he broke his arm on a TD catch or where he broke free from 5 Texans to score a TD. So many to see. I actually just sat down with my 14 year old son and watched every highlight we could find he was just in awe of Smith.
My hat is off to you Smitty! For me you are the Greatest Panther of All Time.