Rod Smith formally announced his retirement from professional football today, and the Denver Broncos family is a little weaker because of it.
My career has spanned 34 years in professional sports, three in baseball and 31 with the Broncos, and there have been very few players, maybe none, who have had the influence on the team and on individuals that he had.
We have had and will continue to have our share of great players, guys with ability far and away beyond that of most athletes.
But it is never a surprise when a great player plays great.
However, when a player comes out of nowhere, as far as being highly regarded, or regarded at all is concerned, and then goes on to the kind of career which ultimately has the team owner calling him “the second greatest Bronco ever, behind John Elway,” as Pat Bowlen did at Rod’s press conference, that player has traveled a long ways indeed.
Rod Smith came to the Broncos as unheralded as possible out of tiny Missouri Southern, undrafted and unwanted by any other team in pro football.
Eventually, Mike Shanhan was so impressed by the practice field work ethic of Smith and fellow receiver Ed McCaffrey that he cut two one-time number one draft chocies, Anthony Miller and Mike Pritchard, to go with Smith and McCaffrey.
What seemed daft to some observers resulted in the greatest seasons the Broncos and their fans ever had, back to back Super Bowl wins and a Cinderella story to match (and maybe surpass) those created by Hollywood screen writers.
So now Smith walks away, done with playing but rebooking his busy schedule to include far more time with his children.
He gave plenty to his Bronco family, most of all passion and guidance and leadership. He will always be here in spirit, and knowing Rod, will make plenty of visits to he headquarters and stadium as well.
Nobody ever had a better mentor.
Beyond that, Rod Smith closed things out with more catches (849) than 18 of the 19 receivers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
He had more receiving yards (11,389) than 13 of the 19 wide receivers in the Hall of Fame.
He played in 118 regular season wins–it’s all about winning, right?–more than five of the six wide receivers in the Hall of Fame who began their career since 1970.
And he was an integral part of two world championships.
His statistics stand alone, but those of us who worked with him know it was never about the stats, it was always about the man.
He led the way for veterans, rookies, and non players. He showed everybody what a work ethic really is, and what it truly is to be a champion.
I will miss you, Captain.
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Rod,
I’ll miss you too. You were one of my favorite Broncos for all of these years and your statistics assuredly merit admission into the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Because of your excellence, we Broncos fans all over the Mountain Time Zone (I live in Utah), and the world over were able to rejoice as Super Bowl champions for two consecutive years. Please stay with the franchise. Someone of your abilities and talents is indispensable to greatness.
So when’s the poll gonna be up that asks if Rod should be in the HOF?…. I bet it’d be like .0001% no (because that idiot was high on something) and a near 100% yes… he should be in the HOF
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A team’s best… Is amongst the NFL’s best
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If Rod doesn’t get in to the HOF his first yr elgb. and by a landslide there is no justice in sports greatness.
Thank you rod for EVERYTHING!
We love you Rod, thanks for the great memories and inspiration. I pray they make you the New Receiver’s Coach, it would only be the obvious choice. When I return to Denver, I look forward to shaking your hand and helping sponsor any youth related activities you put forth effort too!!! You will be in Canton make no mistake about it. You’re up there right with Jerry Rice and a true Mold of the “Complete Receiver”, not just possession or speed. ‘Balanced’ is an understatement for your caliber and “Class” of Receiver. May God continue to bless you in all that you do.
im not usually an emotional man, but i cried when Rod retired…bowlen retire number 80. thats only fitting… thanks for all the memories Mr. Smith
Such a sad day for broncos fans and football…..the only good that has come out of this is i now have my vacation plans in 5 years. I was there for Elway better be damn sure ill be there for Rod. autographed jersey and all.
Thanks Rod.
Rod i didnt get to see Elway that much just his last few years. Thankyou for being the great and classy WR that u were. Im gonna miss shouting Rod in the local sports bar when u continue ur consecutive game streak with at least 1 catch (that pissed off the raiders fans). thankyou for being with Elam and Nalen one of the few consistent Broncos since John left. no one else deserves to wear number 80. marshal could use an influence like u so he doesnt ruin his career so come back as a coach. u were the best reciever we ever had and in the Top 5 Broncos ever. in 5yrs ill be 21 see u in canton they should but ur bust next to Rice or John.
for years me and my friends have called u thunder rod for your skills and ability to make plays on the field. i wish there were more guys like u in all the sports, not just football. in 14 yrs u have not been in trouble outside the lockerroom in inside. u r the kind of player and person that the WORLD needs more of. thanks for the memories and i jhope u have a long and healthy life!!! U R THE MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think it shows just how great of a player and person Rod is. When Jerry Rice signed with Denver he didn’t even consider asking Rod for #80.
Rod, you’re AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rod,
Were all gunna miss you but you chose a good time to hang it up. The Broncos have a young and talented WR Depth Chart and I believe that is mostly because of you. I am amazed that as an NFL Reciever you were able to stay with the broncos for you entire career. I also hope they make you the reciever coach. Thank You!
There is nothing I can say other than class, Rod you are the model for what a NFL player should strive to be. What a joy it has been for me to watch your effort, your commitment, your passion for being a Denver Bronco, but also being a role model for us all.
What it should mean for everyone who wants to wear the orange and blue. If there was a place in the dictionary for “Denver Bronco” it would say see Rod Smith. First one in the door the last to leave,(how many times did I read that right here for thirteen years.)
I do not own a Bronco jersey, if I did it would say 80 on the front and back and SMITH across the top. Keep looking up Rod there is nothing under your feet but dirt. You made a difference, you did it the way it should always be done. See you in Canton.
I remember beign younger wondering what exciting play would come next. Having Elway and Rod Smith on the same team almost wasn’t fair to the other teams. That being said. Smith probably would have had more recieving yards somewhere else. The Broncos are a run offensive. It’s exciting. Have that running game. And then throw in John Elway, in my opinion the best quarterback of all time. (He makes Tom Brady look like the Tom Brady from the brady bunch) Throwing to an exciting player like Rod Smith. Terrel Owens play style reminds me a lot of Rod, but Rod was without the antics and dislikeability of Owens. Smith was one of the best recievers in the game. I would put him up against anyone. The Combo of Elway/Smith is better then any I’ve seen. Better then Young/Rice. Better then Aikmen/Irvine. I know I’m young. But I appriciate everything you’ve done for this team. You made being a Broncos fan enjoyable. Thank you for all that you’ve done.
Jay
I knew this day would have to come but when it did I was very sad. I think we all have taken for granted Mr. Rod Smith !! I know it won’t be the same without that #80 flashing down the field. Mr. consistency. Mr. excitement. Mr. Bronco !!!! Since 1995 Rod has proven that in football, just as in life, hard work and a positive attitude will get you very far. Elway was an awesome NATURAL talent. Rod is a natural also but made himself Hall Of Fame material by his dedication & hard work. Last year was tough without #80. It’s gonna be tougher still. Rod Smith is the epitomy of the Denver Broncos. An underdog from the beginning, making the summit of the football world !! We will always love you Rod, thanks for the many, many memories. It was an extreme plesure to watch you work. Go Broncos !!!!!
Rod Smith is good. Yeah yeah. Let’s get an Ed Mccaffrey tribute going already.