Rod Smith’s hip hasn’t improved in the two months that followed his brief practice-field foray in late October.
It’s actually gotten worse.
“It feels worse than it ever did before I had surgery,” Smith said Friday. “So pretty much it is not healed. It’s not healing at all. I’ve been through different procedures and been up to Vail several times trying to figure out a way to get it right, and it doesn’t feel right. I took the last six weeks off. I really haven’t worked out or anything, and it feels worse. I wake up in the morning, and I can feel it. I sit down, and I can feel it.”
Because of that, the wide receiver will “more than likely” undergo another hip surgery in January, the magnitude of which is still to be determined.
“There’s a resurfacing and there’s a hip replacement. There’s two options with one doctor,” said Smith, who declined to name the physician. “Then there are some other doctors I’m looking at, too, but the one doctor in L.A., he does those two procedures.”
“I’m evaluating which (procedure) is going to be best for me long-term. That’s kind of where I’m at. I really didn’t want to talk about it because I really didn’t want to be a distraction to anything we were trying to do as a football team.”
3:31 P.M. MST ADDENDUM: As promised, here’s more … a story from the main site about Smith, the potential surgery, et. al.
ALSO … The winner of the Friday morning punting derby was former Oregon State punter Sam Paulescu, who signed his contract shortly after earning the job. Paulescu has no regular-season experience, but was in Cowboys training camp and posted a gross average of 51.0 yards per punt and a net of 41.0 yards on two preseason punts. Coincidentally, both punts came against the Broncos on Aug. 18.
Tags: Rod Smith, Sam Paulescu
Too bad…I wish the best for him!
ROD SMITH IS A FIRST BALLET HOF…UN DRAFTED ROOKIE OUT of a small school……He was up there with MOSS, Harrison, HOLT, ECT, ECT,, from 96-05 nobody could do what he did tho….remember that seahawks game back in day when they were still in are conference…ROd took the pitch and schooled everyone for huge runs….he could do it all……HOF HOF HOF!!! Please bring him back as a coach if he cant play…which i really don’t see him doing ever again….I also wish the very best for this man that i always think of personally when i have tuff times…i remember him always saying my sister would walk in the snow everyday just to get to work and that she was his hero..what a role model!!
It is truly sad we will never see #80 playing again. Time to hang it up and worry about your future health and writing your speech for HOF induction. Good luck!!!
[...] Mason’s Morsels wrote an interesting post today on Smith Facing More Hip SurgeryHere’s a quick excerptSmith Facing More Hip Surgery December 28th, 2007 – 12:23pm by Andrew Rod Smith’s hip hasn’t improved in the two months that followed his brief practice-field foray in late October. It’s actually gotten worse. “It feels worse than it ever did before I had surgery,” Smith said Friday. “So pretty much it is not healed. It’s not healing at all. I’ve been through different procedures and been up to Vail several times trying to figure out a way to get it right, and it doesn’t feel right. I took t [...]
Far and away my favorite Bronco. Health comes first. Best wishes to him and his family.
That’s pretty rough. I hope everything works out alright for Mr. Smith.
Also, I hope Jason wasn’t too disappointed about not getting the punting job… would that have left him doing kickoffs then?
Well, this is unbelieveably sad. I’m at a loss for words, I wish him and his family the best and like several other people have said already he’ll be like Elway, the first year he’s available to be nominated for the HOF he’ll get it. He was just that good. I’ll never forget the 12 incredible year Smith spent with this team, Orange & Blue were his colors. I know this is probably far out there to consider but it would be cool to see him coach for this team… I wouldn’t have a problem with that at all. At least he would know what he was doing. I love ya man!!!!!! Another sad day in Broncos Country. I’ll never forget #80, God Bless You in your future.
GO BRONCOS!!!!!!
Oh, and as for this new punter he better not make another joke of this team. I could put all my trust in Elam that he could punt better than the guys we let go with his eyes closed. I’ll give this new punter a chance (not that I have a choice) but this is our last game, punt to the end zone or better yet the 1 yard line and you’ll be a keeper.
GO BRONCOS!!!!!!
Man thats sucks! I thought that he would be back next year. Best WR in Broncos History! Undrafted to, H O F! Get well, relax and hopefully we’ll see you next year! If not pleasure watching you play in The Mile High City!
Man that really sucks!!!! It will be sad not seeing #80 out there again. We need to bring him back as a WR coach. Look what he has done for Brandon Marshall this year under his teaching. He could teach all these young recievers we have so much. He would be the WR coach in the league. Hopefully it will happen!!! If it doesn’t then My best wishes go out to Rod and his family!!!
the saddest day in the world will come when he leaves us. as for the team i am not sure how they will react maybe go out and fight, win a game for smith. my best wishes go out to the smith family. maybe one day we can retire his number.
If he does retire we need to retire his number…nothing is as bad as seeing mike bell wearing 30 but anyways..80 shouldnt be worn by anybody ever for denver…i mean Jerry Rice came to our team all be it in his last year..but still the greatest receiver of all time couldnt get that from ROD cuz he said ROD had earned that NUMBER……what a legend of the game!!!! Rod smith would make a great coach because he knows how hard of work it takes to be good…how much effort you need week in and week out…and how much time it takes to prepare…….if he can get that message out to other players even half as much as he portrayed it…it will be worth every cent to keep him on the team as a coach!! look we got former bronco great jimmy spencer and turner…so lets do it!! much luv rod…i wouldnt mind seeing him on ESPN instead of Emmitt smith!!
Rod,
I just would like you to know the fans have really enjoyed watching you over the years. I am not that concerned about your football carrer I just hope that you are able to enjoy your life with your family! Maybe you can become a WR coach or somthing like that in the future.
When I researched the type of surgery Rod underwent in Ferbuary, I hoped that he’d be able to get one “lap”, but, obviously, it wasn’t in the cards. My wife underwnt hip replacement. Rod. Don’t hesitate another second! Get the hip replacement as soon as possible. The relief from pain and the mobility you will have are well worth it. See you in the HOF in 5 years.
I’m sad to hear that news. Rod is always been one of my favorites. But this goes to show us our team is changing at a feverish speed. First with Al, then Rod, and Elam. Those guys were huge for us over the years. And it was a pleasure to watch them. Not saying Elam is gone or Rod. But they are getting older and its time to start thinking about life after football. I wish they could play for ever but that not possible. So as a fan of both them i hope they make the right decision for both f them and there familys Good luck
Thanks for the memories Rod!!! I think it’s time to say goodbye to football. You don’t have to prove anything else cause you will be a hall of famer. You were not as flashy as TO or Randy Moss but you were much more reliable than the 2 of them. You were not only reliable on the field but aff as well. No non sense from you and you are a great role model in a world that needs some good ones. Good luck to you and your family. I hope to see you coaching soon. Thanks for being you!!!
This is the time for Rod to put himself and his family first and get the necessary surgery to make his hip comfortable.
This injury is extremely serious with long term implications that can effect your health so his future goals should rule out playing and move into coaching which he is ideally suited to at the Broncos. He’s a natural.
Good Luck Rod and thanks for the memories so far.
Rod Smith was a solid reciever but his work ethic and his ATTITUDE make him a hall of famer hands down. I hope the rest of the team takes notice from the example he has set over the years. Flash and talent won’t get you very far in the NFL and neither will talk. Rod Smith walked the walk and talked the talk. His likes will never be seen again. I’d take Rod Smith over 10 TOs or Chad Johnsons.
Mason,
I know you have some pull around there. Would you please make sure they announce Rod Smith for this last home game against Minnesota. To say the least, HE DESERVES IT!
Thank you in advance!
GO BRONCOS!
Thank you for breaking this and keeping us up to date, Andrew.
P.S. The link in the story above didn’t work properly for me, don’t know if anyone else had a rpoblem with it though.
wow…..i hope everything works out for him. i’m not old enough to remember much of Elway ecept for his last few years but ive had the great opertunity to see all of Rod’s cant wait to see him in canton. just think how mindblowing his nubers could hav been if he was older or Elway was younger. Rod showed the pride and the work ethic of a true Bronco. Go Broncos!!!!!
Man, what a heartbreaker. this season just gets worse and worse. Rod Smith may be my all time favorite Bronco. I wish him only the very best in all things. Thanks Rod.
[...] wrote an interesting post today on Smith Facing More Hip SurgeryHere’s a quick [...]
IN ROD WE TRUST
Thank you for everything Rod Smith. Since I left the womb, I have placed Denver Broncos football ahead of everything else in my life, including breathing. In that time, I have seen maybe two or three players (John Elway, Steve Atwater, Mark Schlereth) that entail the heart of a champion that delivers everything that I encompass in a role model. For twenty four years, I have seen arrogant prima donnas act in their own benefit, yet I got the chance to see Rod Smith be one of the premier receivers in the league and yet be one who would sacrifice (literally) the ability to walk for his team. I will never forget you and if your future leads you to not another season with the team, I would like to say thank you for all the memories Rod Smith. Thank you for being exactly what I want to be in a hero. Thank you for living. Thank you for being a man. We’ll see you in Canton. The day you are inducted is the day I will be there. Can’t wait to see you. Go #80!
“…I know you have some pull around there. Would you please make sure they announce Rod Smith for this last home game against Minnesota. To say the least, HE DESERVES IT!…”
I agree with this comment. Get him suited up, and have him walk onto the field one last time. Rod Smith is THE Bronco, through and through, and deserves a last standing ovation.
Ed Mccaffrey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
when u play madden 2008 and catch a 3rd down pass with rod….Madden says, Rod Smith seems to always come up with a big catch on 3rd down..thats true…Remember the PITT game in the playoffs….RODS HUGE HUGE TD was what one us that game!! and sent us to the superbowl…altho Kordell playing QB had alot to do with it on that last drive…ROD is and should be remembered for years and years to come when we think of all time players in the league.
Ed Mccaffrey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You said a mouthful!
He & Rod
Wow what a tandem!
Pure class/Major talent/Incredible heart
Famous, I agree with that, let him suit up and announce his name one last time. Rod hopefully we’ll see you around Denver, with the team, or out and about walking pain free. I am also glad to have seen his entire career, from your fist TD catch against the redskins, and everything else in 12 yrs. 80 yards in the super bowl, tie for a record, i am glad to have seen it all, by a true pro and a true Bronco. Best wishes in the future.
And why exactly did we release Domenik Hixon??
ROD…WE WILL MISS U…BUT WE HAVE 2 THINK DAT HE WILL DO HIS BEST 2 BE ABLE 2 STILL PLAY…BUT IF HE DOESNT….GOOD 2 HAVE YOU HAS A BRONCO….LISTEN HERE PEOPLE…AS A TRUE BRONCOS FAN….WE NEED 2 GIT RID OF JAY CUTLER…HE IS THE WROST QUARTERBACK IVE EVER SEEN!!!! WE NEED JAKE PLUMMER BACK…PLUMMER JUS HAD AN OFF SEASON LAST YEAR..WE COULD HAVE BOUNCED BACK….ALSO WE HAD SOME KEY INJURIES LIKE EKUBAN IN DA PRESEASON, JAVON WASNT 100% HEALTHY, WE HAD TOM NALEN OUT AND MORE OTHERS THAT I CANT REALLY THINK OF….JUST EXPECT THE BRONCOS TO BOUNCE BACK…ALSO, WE COULD LOOK TO SIGN SOME HUGE FREE AGENTS…WE WILL GET BACK ON TRACK NEXT YEAR…LETS GO BRONCOS!!!
Also, i agree..why did they let Mike Bell wear #30…when i walked in a jersey store…i saw #30 and i said “They are selling a Davis jersey” then i look on the back and it says M. Bell…Im thinkin wat the heck?? they should have retired that jersey when he was put up in the Ring of Fame against the Jaguars..and one more thing…Smith should coach for the team…maybe WRs Coach or even Off. Coordinator..or maybe even take over for Shannahan in the future…
Some of you guys are just dumb people
Baily1 are you serious about bringing plummer back….no way so what we can throw dumpoffs everyplay and the occasional boot leg…sorry he sucks…maybe for a back up that would be sweet…but please Cutty threw for what 3000 this year ..wait till he cuts those picks in half and he will avg..3700 yards a season and 30 tds…..u just watch…plus his rating is crazy for the last ten games…..remember untill shanny came to Denver Elways TD/INT ratio was damn near 50/50 so give it sum time…i can see cutler putting up MVP type numbers sum day in the near future…look at brady now he is doing what peyton does…he use to just manage and make good plays when it counts now he is doing what ever he pleases….give it time..go cuter
Rod Smith is someone all receivers can learn from. He is a big loss to the Denver Broncos because of all the talent he holds for the team. The Broncos have alot of good wide receivers, but Rod Smith was and is a Great one. I hope he can return and save the team next season. GOOD LUCK NUMBER 80
…..Also Bailey1, Jake Plummer should come back to the Broncos…..As the holder maybee. Cutler is doing Better than plummer ever did because all that happend with Plummer was interceptions. #30 should have been retired for the broncos.
DAM IT REALLY DOES SUK DAT DERS A POSSIBILITY DAT ROD WILL NOT COME BAK NEXT YEAR WELL IF HE DOESNT GOOD LUCK AN U WILL BE TRULY MISSED..HES GONA BE A BIG LOSS 2 DIS GREAT TEAM AN U R A GREAT ONE..BUT ITS TRUE WAT EVERYONE IS SAYING U SHOULD COME BAK AN BE A COACH CUZ LOOK AT MARSHAL U HAVE TOUGHT HIM A LOT…YEA U GUYS NEED 2 RETIRE NUMBER 30 AN GIVE MIKE ANOTHER # BJT DONT GET RID OF HIM CUZ HES A KEY PLAYER ALL DA GREAT THINGS HES DONE IN DA PAST…I ALSO THINK U SHOULD KEEP JAVON WALKER ANOTHER GREAT WR EVEN DOE DIS YEAR WASNT SO GREAT 4 HIM CUZ INJURIES AN STUFF LOOK BAK 2 LAST YEAR AN LOOK HOW GOOD HE PLAYED…I ALSO THINK U SHOULD GET PLUMMER BAK CUZ CUTLER HE JUST AINT READY YET YEA HE PROBLY BECOME BETTER IN DA FUTURE BUT RITE NOW HES NOT READY SO WE NEED PLUMMER BAK
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