Dove Valley is neither car dealership nor franchise sit-down eatery, so there are no “Employee of the Month” plaques adorning the walls of Broncos headquarters.
If there were, Rod Smith’s name might be the only one on them for the last 14 years.
It’s not that others haven’t worked diligently to ensure Broncos success. It’s not that others haven’t at times provided just a little more on the playing field than the Broncos’ beloved No. 80.
But Smith came to set the example. His perfect attendance for offseason workouts was the stuff of legend. It might take a few years for Smith to become Ring of Fame-eligible, but his name and jersey number might find a home in the team’s strength and conditioning center, thanks to a baker’s dozen years of 100 percent attendance that would often leave rookies and newcomers a tad awestruck.
“Even when he was on the practice squad, you could see the desire and the determination that he had to be good — to be great,” tight end Shannon Sharpe said in 2003. “And he worked every day. There was no job that he wouldn’t do. They put him at wide receiver, he’d take all the reps on scout team and he was always the opposing team’s best receiver, and he got better, and he worked at it.”
What elicited Sharpe’s comment was one of the most memorable moments of Smith’s career, a November 2003 game against the San Diego Chargers when he returned a punt 65 yards for a touchdown in a 37-8 romp.
Such work was hardly Smith’s forté. Prior to that season, Smith hadn’t returned a punt in six years, even though he’d done it so well early in his career that he was the league’s all-time leader in punt-return average for a spell.
But that day somehow encapsulated his career. He contributed in a manner that was not only unexpected, but unusual; one doesn’t see many receivers with 600 catches jogging onto the field to catch a punt, to stand like a buoy amidst a choppy sea of opposing helmets.
That day, he hit the 600-reception milestone and returned the punt for a score.
“I’ve tried to be consistent throughout my career of what I give them every day,” Smith said in the locker room late that afternoon. “And it hasn’t changed since Day One, when I came into the Broncos facility to sign my contract as a free agent.”
And it wouldn’t change last year, in spite of circumstances that would have conspired to force the contrary.
Even after a hip injury left him watching from the sidelines, Smith’s commitment to the organization never wavered. For every game, he was there — as coach, counselor and teammate. For every practice, he was there, guiding Brandon Marshall, Brandon Stokley and the other receivers who pick up his torch.
But being consigned to the sideline was an emotional pain so great it might have exceeded the physical pain with which he dealt first in playing through the hip injury for three seasons, then in his lengthy rehabilitation.
He might have been able to handle it if the Broncos had won last year. But with it being the first losing season this century, Smith chafed and ached, unable to do much to reverse the spin and get the Broncos sailing to the playoffs once again.
“If we were going to get our butt kicked I wanted to get mine kicked too,” he said on Dec. 28. “It feels like you’re on the side watching everybody take blows, and that’s hard for me. That’s the worst part of the whole deal. If we’re going down I wanted to go down with them, I wanted to be dirty like everybody else. But I’m taking my lumps on the sideline.”
For more of what he said that day, click on the video below:
But he was nevertheless there. Success begins with showing up — even when you don’t necessarily have to. Smith could have done his rehabilitation work and gone home; instead he donned a coaches’ parka and joined his teammates and coaches on the field during the week and on the sidelines during games.
It hurt him to be out of uniform. It would have hurt him even more not to try to somehow help the team, even when his balky hip kept him from doing so in the manner to which he and the Broncos had been accustomed from that warm early autumn afternoon against the Washington Redskins 12 years earlier, when he caught the last-second touchdown pass that launched a brilliant career.
If children ask me about a player they should emulate, I always cite Smith.
He isn’t perfect, and he knows it. He doesn’t shirk from areas in which he struggled; he attacks them as though they were opposing defenders, works through them and emerges at the other side a more complete and honorable player — and, more importantly, a man. He’s intelligent, educated and well-read. He understands and embraces the world outside his sport, even as he trained his focus to be laser-sharp within it.
I’ve never seen any player command respect in the locker room the way Smith did. And every last smidgen of it is richly deserved.
Tags: Rod Smith, Wide receivers
Standing Ovation for a kid coming out of a small Division II to become one of the all-time greats. In Rod we trust. We love you and we’ll miss you. Returning as a coach possibly?
I don’t believe I have looked at a player’s retirement with the sadness I am viewing yours, Rod Smith. You were my favorite active player, and you will remain one of my favorite players of all-time, not only from what you were on the field, but off, too.
What’s more, as a professional, you have never worn any football uniform other than the orange & blue, except when you played in the Pro Bowl. The Broncos should waive the waiting period for your Ring of Fame. You deserve to be in there right now.
Now, take your place beside the John Elways, Floyd Littles, and Randy Gradishars as a legend, an icon, in the Annals of the Denver Broncos.
Wow, it’s tough to see Rod hang ‘em up. Truly amazing player, athlete and worker.
Rod was a truly great leader of men. He will be greatly missed and I hope he sticks around as part of the coaching staff.
Rod,
Thanks for the 14 years of greatness you brought to the Denver Broncos. We will surely miss you on the field.
GOOD RIDE COWBOY, GOOD RIDE.
Ashley
the best reciever in broncos history, the best undrafted player EVER, to put the stats up that he did with a bunch of no name quarterbacks (except Elway) like brister griese and kannel truley shows how GREAT he was and still is. the “consimate” professional, a sad day as i type with tears in my eyes, i will miss seeing you dearly Rod. im going to go out and buy your jersey (again) only this one will be added to the archives of unworn bronco alumni. i cant wait for your HOF induction ceromony.
peace out broncoland
and thanks for all the spectacular years Rod!
Shelbo
I wish we could inject your heart into every rookie we bring in! Your the warrior every coach hopes he is drafting when he makes a selection. What is amazing is that you slipped through the draft without having your name called! If they had a drill at the combine that measured heart and work ethic you would have been a first round pick. We will miss you on the field but you should stay with organization in some way please.! Thanks for the years ROD!!!!!
Thank you for an incredible 14 yrs!
All Broncos fans everywhere will miss seeing Rod on the field. Hopefully we’ll see him on the sidelines or scouting for the team! Thanks Rod!!
A sad, sad day in Bronco-Land…
Please Rod, (excuse me, Mr. Smith – you deserve that kind of respect), stay with the Bronocos in some capacity – An organization as devoted as ours is based around people like you.
And somebody please let Pat Bowlen know that waiting five years to put Mr. Smith on the “Mount Rusmore of Bronco-Land” is a mistake – This man deserves to have his name on the ring of fame (and in the Pro Football Hall of Fame) as soon as possible.
Thanks for Everything…
Wow, this is just so sad. I wish we didn’t have to talk about Smith in such a sad way but its also good. His career and character, on and off the field, should be such an inspiration to anyone who walks through the same door as any Bronco has. Anyone who comes to play for the Orange & Blue should play with Smith in mind, offense or defense. He’s set such high standards and that should encourage young players to want to be that great. There will NEVER be another Rod Smith but his accomplishments should inspire others not just in football but in life.
He’s got such a passion for the game and this team – it’s truly an amazing sight. And again, I’d really love to see him become apart of the coaching staff – its one way he can still be an active part of the team and still be around to talk to and encourage the players. That’s what coaches do, they encourage and inspire the players to be the best they can be and that is right down Smith’s ally. There’s no one in the world better suited for that job than #80. I can see our Broncos having one heck of a season with him apart of the coaching and getting our players motivated. I could sit here and go on and on about how much I love this guy and how incredible his career is but I think I’d run out of room.
To #80, there’s not a soul in Broncos Country that will ever forget you. You’ve built a foundation of motivation, devotion, encouragment & love for this great game and team. You are an inspiration to anyone!! I’ll never forget you playing for this team, I wish you all the best in whatever you do. See you in the Hall of Fame in 5 years… you’ll be like Elway, the moment you’re eligible you’ll get it. You’re just that great. Oh, man this is so hard.
GO BRONCOS, #80!!
I think to honor Rod Smith and what he brought to the team that they should retire #80 jersey. He was one of the best recievers in his prime and was definityly one of the Broncos best wide reciever they ever had. I just hope he stays in the organization like a wide recievers coach. Goodbye #80!
Almost makes me want to cry. Enough said. We love you Rod.
-Shill-
u will forever be remembered in the hearts of every broncofan and bronco player…u truly are one of THE ALL-TIME GREATS….
#80 will be missed on the field..
a very sad day indeed,please Mr. Smith,,,remain with the association,,could be the next great broncos coach..
Wow, what a player; we will never replace what he gave to the team!
Thiis is a little bit off-subject but the Falcons released crumpler and coleman and are lookin to release 12 otther veterans including Joe Horn, Lawyer Milloy, WARRICK DUNN!, KEITH BROOKING, etc.
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/falcons/stories/2008/02/14/falcons_0215.html?imw=Y
Also including Wayne Gandy
Scouting Report:http://tsn.ca/nfl/teams/players/bio/?id=541&hubname=nfl-falcons
And Zach Thomas is goin to be released
http://tsn.ca/nfl/news_story/?ID=229658&hubname=nfl
Also Panther released LT Travelle Wharton
Scouting Report:http://tsn.ca/nfl/teams/players/bio/?id=6838&hubname=nfl-panthers
Bills released Peerless Price
here are the 2 Scouting Reports
Gandy: http://tsn.ca/nfl/teams/players/bio/?id=541&hubname=nfl-falcons
And Wharton was actually re-signed not released
BTW Good Luck Rod in life take care
There is no question Rod Smth has put in his time, nd should be a hall of fame player. I would love to see him come back if he dose get healthy, but I do think we need to replace him in free agency if at all possible. Dose this by chance increase the likelyhood that we keep Javon? I would hate to see more of the cap go to the sidelines again this year…
I love Rod smith put his stats next to randy,marvin,holt,chad,to any reciever dubed the best in this era…Rod is right there with them….maybe this move makes sum room and space for Zach Thomas….
Rod Smith=WR Coach
next stop on rods list is canton!!!!! can we get one last cheer for rod? come back and show the new kids how to play football.
After sum time Bronco fans can look forward to having a few more members of the superbowl teams in the HOF…Elway, Zimm, Shannon, Rod, TD, Atwater…..i cant wait till all are inshrined…….
welbourn got cut today and so did Crumpler….i would luv to have alge but who knows we have good TE[s but Alge is a game breaker he made Vick and Joey look good at times all by him self…big play guy…lets get him and trade D. Gramn…lets get Zach Thomas in the middle…and try to pick up rodgers or haynesworth…and draft well and our D will be just fine….
Rod u are the man!!!! please stay involved sum way sum how with the broncos…we need ya
It has been a joy to watch Rod Smith all these years. He means alot to the Broncos organization and to Bronco fans everywhere. I wish him well in his recovery from his surgery and also hope that it will help him to not be in pain. If this is actually the end of his playing career then I would like to see his jersey #80 be retired and his name added to the Ring of Fame. Also an induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame would be wonderful. His dedication to the team has been exemplarily through all facets of his career. To see him on the sidelines this year was hard but to see him mentoring Brandon Marshall was a great thing to see. If he isn’t able to return as a player for the Broncos then it would be great to see him as a receivers coach.
thanks for an AMAZING 14 years!
It’s sad to see your favorite player retire. Hopefully he will make it in the Hall of Fame.
Thanks for 14 fantastic years!!! Please, please have the hip replacement operation as soon as possible. My wife had hers replaced and the endless pian that you are now experiencing will be gone forever. The pain you’ll experince in rehab will be short, massive and worth every agonizing second. See you in Canton in five years.
ramboskithefan, I echo your sentiments for Rodney. Also, have you considered something like this?:
“Denver hits it big with Miami and signs recently cut Marty Booker, L.J. Shelton, and Keith Traylor (he is at the end of his career, but could suffice for another year). This would fill a lot of needs right there. Secondly, and I like the boldness of this, make a big draft trade with Miami. Trade both Travis Henry and Javon Walker to Miami for their 1st overall draft pick and Zach Thomas. Miami has needs at both those positions and they seem to maybe want to trade down anyway and it could be something huge for Denver. I think Miami might even be letting Thomas go so they could give up even less to Denver. And if they want, Denver could even give up their own 1st round draft pick, as well (just swap them). Just think of the opportunities…”
Denver is fine at the TE position. They’ve got Sheffler, Graham, Alexander, Jackson, and Mustard. Now, I know some of those guys might still need work, but they will suffice. I think TE is the least of Denver’s worries (if not THE least of their worries besides QB).
And not to sound like I don’t care, talking about the rest of the team and what not, I will DEFINITELY miss Rod a whole lot and I wish him the best for his future.
Chop tips cap to one of the best men to ever put a uniform on…..
It’s only once in a great while that you get a guy like Rod Smith. He wasn’t the fastest or the biggest but he was one of the best to ever strap on a helmet. Hot Rod attacked the play like he was on defense and never gave up. The greatest play he ever made was tackling Julius Peppers, a man almost half his age, from behind on a play he had no business trying to make. There will be no waiting period for Mr. Smith when he decides to call it a career concerning his induction into the Broncos Ring of Fame. No one will ever wear the #80 again either, I think all Broncomaniacs can agree on that. He was one of the guys you could always look to when the game was on the line. I hope he hangs around to coach, give Brandon an idea of what it means to be a professional WR in the NFL.
He’s the best
Rod Smith will always remain one of my favorite players,even if he never hits the field again his dedication and spirit will always reside with the broncos.I know he will be in the hall of fame but he deserves so much more he put everything he had into the game he played,I mean to not be drafted and never play for another team he did alot of special things,I think the thing im going to miss most is the comfortability factor of “at least rod smith is there” the last of my childhood legends are gone from the stadium now im almost in tears right now just typing this,but as a fan of not only the broncos but of all football I can say that his calbuir resides with the likes of rice and,Largent as the greatest receiver to play in the national Football league.remember stats aren’t everything sometimes a persons heart can inspire us more than a spectacular catch
Rod Smith is a man among boys. With the number of accomplishments that he has under his belt coupled with the fact that he was an undrafted free agent he should be a first ballot selection in to the hall of fame. I will never forget the game that he had against the Seattle Seahawks in 2000. The Broncos were hammered with injury’s. Mr. Smith was listed as the #1 WR, the #2 RB, the #2 QB, and was returning punts and kickoffs that day. He threw the ball, ran the ball, and returned kicks all in one day. Did I mention that he did all of this on a high ankle sprain that would have sidelined any other player in the NFL. Smiths attention to detail and his willingness to accept the fact that there were things that he could always improve on made him great. I have heard in interviews that he does not think he could handle being a coach but I think that Pat Bowlen and Shanahan should do anything in their collective powers to get him on the field as a coach. If not, then to Mr. Smith thank you for your pain, perseverance, sacrifice, and dedication to excellence. In the history of the NFL your name should rest next to the likes of Rice, Swan, Monk, and well above Moss.
In an era of loud exaggerations you were the silent truth.
Mike in San Diego
Rod you had a amazing career and i hate to see it end
you are the best undrafted player there was and ever will be
and one of the all-time great wideouts and your passion and heart for the game has made you a guy i look up to not as just a player but a leader
and thank you for stickin with the oarnge and blue through the good and the bad its hard to see you go hope you come back and coach with the broncos
#80 will always be a part of the broncos and colorado
rod smith will always be rememberd as the greatest wide reciever in broncos history. can never forget his first TD catch against Washington in 95′. Also his 70 something yard TD in the super bowl against the Falcons. in my opinion a future HOF.
I was privileged to be at Mile High to watch Rod Smith catch his first touchdown pass to beat the Washington Redskins that many years ago and he has been my favorite player ever since. He made great quarterbackers look even greater, good quarterbacks look great and medicore quarterbacks look good. I would love to be there to see him be installed into the Ring of Fame and along with other writers – I agree he shouldn’t have to wait 5 years. Please stick around Rod – we need you!!!!
Rod Smith, Thank you for all the memories and exciting catches you’ve made in your career. Your a hall of famer for sure. You are a class act and deserve a to be inducted into Canton. Thank you again for your on field and off feild performance. You DA man.
Rod,we will forever remember the touchdown bomb from Elway to blow open Superbowl XXXIII, but we will also remember your hard work on every play, and your dedication to the city of Denver on and off the field. Thanks for TWO SUPERBOWLS and for unselfishly playing your whole career in ORANGE and BLUE. You deserve to be in Canton soon!
If we measure the greats in Broncos history primarily by heart, committment and execution, Rod Smith’s the best there ever was to don orange and blue. The matter is closed on this subject as far as I’m concerned. He belongs in Canton as much as negative controversy belongs with the Patriots so I want to see him inducted soon!
THE ROD SMITH=HEAD COACH 2009 CAMPAIGN STARTS NOW!
I love you Rod. *sigh* we’re gonna miss you!
you’re my favorite Bronco.
Rod,
I can only smile as I read these blogs. I can’t say anything that these GREAT! fans haven’t already said. I read one and think; “Yep”. Then read another and say; “Yep”.
Your talent, your skill, your statue, your attitude etc…those characteristics we saw day in and day out.
What makes me proud to be a fan of you and this organization is to see these GREAT! fans type you on the back and say thank you.
We are saying thanks for so many reasons. Most players may play a lifetime and never know the joy they bring to so many people.
Rod,
You have just received the largest handshake a person could ever hold. It’s millions of fans looking in your direction and saying “It was you! All you!”
ROD your THE BEST!!! I have your jersey and wear if proudly and will continue to wear it as you will always represent the BRONCOS forever. I KNOW YOU BETTER MAKE THE HOF, 1st time up. They can’t dismiss your achivements and something no one can measur and that is your heart and courage. Good luck #80 and PLEASE DONT LEAVE BRONCOVILLE. We need you here coaching.
Great ride Rod!!!!
WGBronco
How ironick, I am looking at my 2008 Denver Broncos calendar and guess who is on the Feb page. You said it, Great ole, #80 himself. You are the greatest.
WGBronco
Thanks Rod for all the memories were gonna miss u….Please comeback as a coach!!!!! I’ll see you in Canton in a few years and the Broncos really should retire your jersey.
brian
Rod Smith, the most complete football player to ever wear the Bronco uniform! I hope you write a book , you have been an inspiration to many young men and have set an example of how to live your life as a professional athelete and as a man. Thanks Rod, you are the greatest Bronco ever !
Rod Smith. Professional. No arguments about that. I hope that you continue your relationship with the Broncos ANYWHERE on the coaching staff.
I hope that current and future players listen to what you say. You have played with a heart that says to me that you would have done it for food money.
Rod, I hope your next stop is Canton, Ohio. Richly deserved, Rod.
Salute from the heart, bro, salute from the heart.
its hard to think of rod as head coach at first but the more and more i think about it…the Nfl is getting younger by coaching standards and i think the move would be great….maybe in a few years tho after sum assistant work with denver….he is a great motivator and team leader and knows how to win…im up for it..maybe the players would respond better but does he really have all the x’s and o’s the shannahan has or has learned the whole time coaching rod…so i say give shanny sum time to groom cutty and bmarsh and we will be good.
“Life is a series of up and down momentum shifts. When your on a downswing, the only thing that can get you through and help you succeed is your confidence……your certainty……your faith……your belief that you can overcome adversity and succeed…..it’s not a guarantee……but without it……your sunk……..because without it…..all you have is luck to rely on.
You must know that to soar to the highest peaks you must have the kind of confidence that stays even when you are taking a pounding…..the kind of faith that thrives in your darkest moments, the belief in yourself where you flat out know that you can do whatever must be done, and you can do it now.
This is when nothing can keep you down.
This is when you become unstoppable.”
For all of the times that negative actions by athletes get the headlines, we have been privileged for the last 14 years. As Broncos fans, we have been spoiled by great players, great teams, a great organization. Most of all, we have seen a once a generation player in Rod Smith. I think Mason put it best with his closing, that Rod Smith is the one player you would tell someone to emulate. Whether it’s in the context of football or life, Rod Smith is the epitome of a self-made man. Nothing was ever given to him. He worked harder than anyone, proved all the critics wrong time and again, and continually outdid himself and everyone around him. And he did it all with a quiet, class confidence that affected everyone about him. He never got acclaim. Why? Because while other WRs were mouthing off and creating new dances, Rod was BLOCKING, so the Broncos could have a dominant run game. While other players were chasing endorsements, Rod Smith was mentoring younger players, trying to help those who were where he once was. While other players were chasing stats, Rod Smith was doing whatever he had to for the TEAM to be successful. We hate to see you go, Mr. Smith. But like everyone else on here, I want to thank you for what you have meant to this team. It has been an honor watching you bring it on EVERY play, EVERY week!
Oh, and to Andrew Mason….INCREDIBLE writing. If it’s possible to even come close to paying Rod the tribute he deserves, you absolutely nailed it. PERFECT article…..