Rod Smith is back.
Those four words carry a meaning to this football team well beyond the simple declarative sentence that they form.
The unquestioned leader of the Broncos over the better part of the past decade, Rod (I just can’t call him “Smith”– I can call him Captain, but I can’t call him Smith) played the entire 2006 season with a left hip that badly needed some cleanup work.
In that time, he never missed a workout (in fact, the 37-year old wide receiver has never missed an offseason workout in his entire Broncos career), never complained, kept playing, and kept stoking the fire of enthusiasm for the team.
He had a left hip debridement during the offseason, and Wednesday returned to practice for the first time in 11 months.
No one ever wore the crown of leadership and spokesmanship better than Rod, and having him back is a big thing for this football team.
Some observers in the community thought he could never make it back, but those who knew Rod Smith knew he would never quit working, absolutely never stop focusing on that goal of not just returning to practice, but to the team, to the lineup, and to helping the Broncos win.
He holds the franchise records for catches (849), receiving yards (11,389), touchdown receptions (68) and total TDs (71).
To put those stats in even better perspective, consider that every one of those figures is the all-time pro football record for undrafted wide receivers.
In fact, the 849 catches rank 11th on the NFL’s all-time list, just two behind Irving Fryar for 10th place and 13 behind Jimmy Smith for ninth.
Considering the ultra-advanced state of scouting in pro football, it is almost unimaginable that a skilled position player of this quality could slip through the cracks, but he did.
Without being hackneyed about it, maybe the reason is that ultimately it is very hard to measure heart and passion.
Rod is the all-time leader in those qualities as well, and his return is a huge emotional lift for everyone associated with the franchise.
You might remember the movie “Six Degrees of Separation,” which among other things featured the concept that certain individuals can be tied to any number of other individuals and events.
I have often said that Rod’s career is like six degrees of separation for the Broncos.
A great player, for sure, statistically, but he also caught the 80-yard touchdown pass that really created scoreboard separation between the Broncos and the Atlanta Falcons in Denver’s Super Bowl XXXIII victory.
Rod is the primary spokesman for the Denver Broncos’ annual blood drive.
He is one of the team captains, as noted — in fact this year when the team voted on captains, he was not named because of his inactive and injured status, but the selected captains immediately went to Head Coach Mike Shanahan to let him know that they did not feel that Rod should be excluded — leadership even when excluded from the group is a powerful statement indeed.
He is the team’s player representative on NFLPA union issues, and a lot of it is mundane paper work, but Rod does it all.
I cannot say how many times I have personally watched Rod Smith work after practice with a young player, helping him, teaching him, even though many times during training camp it could have been said that the young player in question had very little chance of making the team.
Didn’t matter to Rod. Doesn’t matter to Rod.
Or how many times I have watched him assist a young player in getting a real estate agent to make a home purchase, or get some tax advice for a player whose home is not in Colorado.
Or how many times I have gone to him to say I neded something done PR-wise, and have Rod say he would do it, or say a quiet word to a young guy, to make rough waters smoother.
Welcome back, Rod.
Tags: Rod Smith
Rod is going to be or is a legend of his own. He has been a lift to the Bronco’s and when does retire, he will still be there.
Jim, thanks for the piece on Rod. In my mind he is right there with Elway as far as my favorite Broncos are concerned. I hope he comes back for the rest of this season and one more to cement his Hall of Fame credentials.
welcome back #80.True Class
Just anouther great player we will have on the field that deserves anouther Ring!!! Rod- Your fans love you, and know you help the team every way you can!
rod smith is a true bronco he stayed with us his whole career and even tho he coulda made millions more he knew where he wanted 2 be and i respect him or that and i think he also is up there wit elway in important role in bronco history
Im very happy that rod smith is back because he is a great asset to the team and he is also my favorit player of all time.
Welcome back Rod…..boy did we miss you dude!! Go make some history.
All I have to say is that this team has missed this guy. Last year everyone thought that he was on the out, then later we found out he played practically the entire season with hip problems. With him healthy again, this offense has no shortage of weapons. This can also be a huge emotional lift. I’m glad to hear the news and stocked about seeing him on the field.
Welcome back Rod Smith!!! Finally, something positive for the team to lift it’s spirit and build around for a successful second half season. The fans and team needs you on the field. Have a great come back…
rod, you are an inspiration to us all on and off the field! a big mile high salute to the man ,rod smith !
Make room for the big Eight Ooooooh!!!!
What a legend.
dude ur the best hard working denver reciever and your one of my favorites….. Go kick some major butt!!!!!!!!!
Rod Smith… There are not words to describe the memories and the accomplishments. This guy is what all NFL players should aspire to be; The pinnacle of their profession and a class act. Welcome back. We look forward to having your leadership and talent back on the field.
Our Captain is back!!!!! Yes!! Kick some butt Rod!
go rod! i have missed your smiling face all season! you are true class!
My first memory of #80 was catching his first TD from Elway to beat the Redskins. My second, watching him at training camp before the 97 and 98 seasons. After a tough morning practice as all the players were catching the golf cart ride to lunch, Rod would sign hundreds of autographs until everyone got a sig. It wouldn’t be that extraordinary, except that he did it everyday. I hope the upcoming generation of NFL players will pay attention to how to be a true pro.
i love smith
Rod is the man!
we needed him, but theres a much bigger picture and thats his famliy n health. we sure could have used him lastnight.
I really wish that we would go after chad johnson he’d b a perfect fit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rod is god. We need him now that javon walker is out.
Dont blame champ or dre for the loss. We win as a team and we loose as a team.
Rod Smith is back yes!!!!! Know we could win
Well HELLO! Did you think he wasn’t. Rod Smith, #80. what! Come on now, that’s a bad, bad, man. Now what! to all you said he was washed up and all the media folks up in his face asking him about retirement, PLEASE! What! U GO BOY! And as far as Suds comments about Dre and Champ, Hello! We don’t point fingers here, we get our stuff together and move on. Work it out! I do love ‘dem BRONCOS!
2007 IS OVER FOR BRONCOS . TRADE A NEW HEAD COACH . CHANGE A STAFF
CHANGE A HEAD COACH
NO VALE LA PENA VER UN PARTIDO MAS DE LOS BRONCOS, PARA
PUROS CORAJES POR LAS DESICIONES DE SHANAHAN
The coach is fine, we are just in a transition year and need some time to gel as a team.
BS we are done with rebuilding or transition years Its time to play ball or cook some cookies.. I think our players are wanting to bake
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