Rod Smith to retire Thursday - Officially

[nevcraw]

Source: Broncos WR Smith to retire after series of injuries
By Bill Williamson
ESPN.com
(Archive)
Updated: July 23, 2008, 4:47 PM ET

In a formality, Broncos all-time leading wide receiver Rod Smith is set to announce his retirement on Thursday.


Smith did not play in the 2007 season after having hip surgery. After a second procedure this winter, the team put him on the reserve list, but Smith had said that he wasn't yet ready to officially retire.

A source close to Smith said on Wednesday that Smith has decided to move on.

Thinking he still might play, Smith turned down a chance to be the Broncos receivers coach in February.

John Elway's favorite target in the Broncos' Super Bowl years, Smith finishes with 849 receptions for 11,389 yards in 12 seasons, all with Denver. He made three Pro Bowls and led the league in receptions with 113 in 2001.

[Northman]

Have to give thanks to Smith for all he did for this franchise. He was a heck of a player. \m/

[Day1BroncoFan]

I salute Rod for the great service he has given to the Broncos. :salute:

[BigDaddyBronco]

One of my all time favorites. :salute:

[Benetto]

Please say it isn't true....

Thanks for all your hard work and input Rod...You helped make this franchise what it is today.. You also provided me my favorite Bronco moment of all time...The pre halftime TD in Superbowl 32. That was my favorite Bronco TD of all time...

If Champ would have scored on his 99 yard INT in the AFC Championship game, that would have been my all time...but it didn't happen, so love ya forever Rod. Thanks :salute:

[tubby]

Somewhere Hoe is in tears.

:salute: Rod Smith #80 :salute:

[Rex]

I love Rod Smith

[NameUsedBefore]

Great player. A mountain for all the undrafted players to look up to, no doubt.

[Slick]

What a stud. I really hope he sticks with the organization. He is a prime example of what hard work and dedication can bring. Not to mention a person who had a run-in with the law, corrected himself, and kept on being a great player and teammate. A certain WR on the roster can only benefit from the words and teachings of Rod.

[NightTrainLayne]

Please say it isn't true....
.The pre halftime TD in Superbowl 32. That was my favorite Bronco TD of all time...



That's one of my favorites too.

I remember jumping up and yelling, "That's what you get for staying out late with prostitutes, Eugene Robinson!" He was burned to a crisp on that play-action play.

[Lonestar]

lets hope mikey is smart enough to add him the the staff..

[LordTrychon]

Sad to hear... even though I've been expecting it for a year.

Was the possibility of playing again the only reason he didn't take the recievers coach position? I was under the impression that he only wanted to be part-time consultant... but if he was looking to play, he's still got full time in the heart.

Promotion to co-recievers coach or something?

[Denver Native (Carol)]

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_9973195?source=rss

Broncos mainstay Rod Smith retires

Rod Smith, the Broncos' all-time leading receiver in nearly every category, has decided to retire.

The Broncos and Smith will hold a 2 p.m. news conference Thursday.

Smith, 38, missed all of last season with a serious hip injury so his retirement has been expected for nearly a year. An undrafted free agent who signed with the Broncos in 1994, when Wade Phillips was the coach, Smith finishes with 849 receptions, 11,389 receiving yards and 68 touchdown receptions.

He was a Pro Bowler as recently as 2005, but a concussion and hip injury curtailed his production in 2006 and was forced to sit out 2007 after he needed extensive surgery to repair, among other problems, a torn labrum.

* See a slide show of Rod Smith in action.

[SmilinAssasSin27]

Hall of Famer!

[Retired_Member_001]

One of my all time favorites. :salute:

Classy guy and a great player. No better way to say it.

:salute:

[Lonestar]

Hall of Famer!

we think so but little chance of it happening..

[Denver Native (Carol)]

we think so but little chance of it happening..

His undrafted free agent status could really help

[D1g1tal j1m]

Hall of Famer!

Unfortunately I'm guessing that the Hall will keep him out for awhile. There will already be 2 Broncos in there already and Dallas and New York has some more players that are more "deserving" (sarcasm filter in full effect)...

[Broncos Mtnman]

I wish he's reconsider coaching the receivers.

:salute: Rod Smith - An ALL-TIME Great!! :salute:

[Lonestar]

His undrafted free agent status could really help


all of his reasons are great and we relish him.. but the facts are DEN is not on the media list for HOF voters..

that is primary the reason not enough folks have seen him play and the last two years did nothing to add icing to the cake so to speak..


I can not think of many others more deserving, but TD and Randy G are also way up there and they most likely will not see it either..

[Lonestar]

Unfortunately I'm guessing that the Hall will keep him out for awhile. There will already be 2 Broncos in there already and Dallas and New York has some more players that are more "deserving" (sarcasm filter in full effect)...


you forgot NE.. on your list..

[shank]

him and ed are my idols. very sad to see it become official, i kept holding onto hope that he'd be able to come back.

i hope he stays highly involved with the team whether officially or not.

the laughability of the hall is only furthered if rod doesn't get in.

[Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal]

This was expected. Hopefully he can come back as a coach or some kind of team mentor.

[Tned]

A great Bronco. Prior to the hip injury, I had hoped he could have 2 or 3 more productive years, so that he could have an outside chance at the HOF, especially with the undrafted FA wild card on his side. Either way, he was a great Bronco and it was great to watch him all those years.

[weazel]

:salute: Rod Smith

end of an era, noone really left from the championship teams.

oh well, who needs football when your doing high profile pizza commercials!

[Den21vsBal19]

Rod, Thank You :salute:


IIRC, that leaves Tommy Nalen as the last man standing?

[SmilinAssasSin27]

Rod has receiving numbers which compare favorably to current HOFers, all while playing in an offense known for its running prowess. He led the league in receptions 1 year and has that "SUPERBOWL MOMENT." I agree he'll have to wait, but I think he gets in.

[Slick]

Rod, Thank You :salute:


IIRC, that leaves Tommy Nalen as the last man standing?

With Elam gone I think you're right Den.

[broncosfanscott]

Well, this was coming for some time now, however it still sucks. Rod is a HOFer and a class act. He did so much for the Denver Broncos organization and will be a big asset should he be named to the staff. The best undrafted player you will ever see and he just shows you what can happen if you work hard enough.........and he did that better than most.

I'll miss you Rod and hope you stay on our sidelines. You deserve an infinate number of :salute:

Thanks.

[jrelway]

thank you rod. lets hope b.marshall becomes at least half of what you were to the broncos.

[BANJOPICKER1]

He is Bronco History, needs to be in the HOF. Best NFL player as far as the way I think a NFL playe should be.Always a team player first.:beer:

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BRONCOS!!!!

[Tebow4Ever]

Much in agreement with all the posters here. #80 was among the best this league has ever seen. A true inspiration to many. It would be absolutely absurd if he were not granted a HOF admission. He is 110% deserving of it, Stats aside......Thanks for all the great year Mr.Rod Smith. Your legacy shall live on....

[Tebow4Ever]

I figured with most folks having seen the news about our great #80 announcing his retirement tomorrow. I would post this link from ProFootballReference.Com...So that we may all have a look upon his great and productive career. God Bless Rod Smith!! GO BRONCOS http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmitRo01.htm

[Requiem / The Dagda]

The best wide receiver to ever wear the orange and blue. Cannot underestimate what he did for this team back during the Super Bowl years and what he passed on to other teammates. Leadership, being a good person, all those. Rod Smith was one of the best wide receivers to play in the NFL, IHHO. He just did his job. I hope he'll get into the HOF, and I certainly hope he'll help this team out in some way or another.

Thanks for the memories Rod, we're all proud of you and sad to see you go.

[Poet]

Put him in the hall.

Being consistently good for THAT long is a great feat. Plus, I still remember on ESPN they showed all these guys in the NFL going ape shit training in the off season. They cut to Rod Smith in his robe and slippers eating a bowl of Fruity Pebbles in his bed while watching television.

Rod Smith>other players not eating Fruity Pebbles in their bed watching television.

[WARHORSE]

I think I need a hug.




http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/warhorse001/loyalty_rewards_dog.jpg

[WARHORSE]

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y152/warhorse001/lifeispain.gif

[sneakers]

I guess he was pretty good.

:D

[PatricktheDookie]

I doubt he has a prayer of making it to Canton, but Bowlen damn well better retire his number.

[Davii]

Wow...

Well, we all knew it was coming. From the fans here, his team-mates, the front office, and Rod himself. This was nothing but a formality.

But it's a formality that stings. Rod Smith was without a question the best wide receiver to ever play for the Bronco's. Certainly the best undrafted talent to walk on the field of ANY NFL stadium.

Amazing player, class act, hard worker, leader, etc.

While I will always miss seeing Rod do what he did best, find a small hole in coverage 7 yds and 1 ft from the LOS on 3rd and 7, I hope Pat and Shanny find a way to keep him around. He is a presence that I feel is needed, not only for his coaching abilities, but just his presence and work ethic. It has a way of rubbing off on people.

Rod, congratulations on your exemplary career. You have a left a mark on Denver that will never fade. Please stick around in some capacity.

[Den21vsBal19]

Wow...

Well, we all knew it was coming. From the fans here, his team-mates, the front office, and Rod himself. This was nothing but a formality.

But it's a formality that stings. Rod Smith was without a question the best wide receiver to ever play for the Bronco's. Certainly the best undrafted talent to walk on the field of ANY NFL stadium.

Amazing player, class act, hard worker, leader, etc.

While I will always miss seeing Rod do what he did best, find a small hole in coverage 7 yds and 1 ft from the LOS on 3rd and 7, I hope Pat and Shanny find a way to keep him around. He is a presence that I feel is needed, not only for his coaching abilities, but just his presence and work ethic. It has a way of rubbing off on people.

Rod, congratulations on your exemplary career. You have a left a mark on Denver that will never fade. Please stick around in some capacity.
Considering his reported trip to see Goodell with BM, I think we can quite easily keep him prodctively employed ;)

[Davii]

Considering his reported trip to see Goodell with BM, I think we can quite easily keep him prodctively employed ;)

Yeah, but he deserves better than being Marshall's Nanny.

[Den21vsBal19]

Yeah, but he deserves better than being Marshall's Nanny.
That is very true, but hopefully some of Rod's personal experience can rub off

[GEM]

I officially shed a tear last night watching the sports report on the news.

Thanks Rod! :salute:

[EastCoastBronco]

All I know is that we need to find another "heart and soul of the team" player to "attempt" to replace him. The guy is the epitome of a team player and I haven't seen anyone in the last couple of years that can fill his shoes.
The job is open Broncos players. Job interviews start tomorrow in Dove Valley.

[AlWilsonizKING]

:salute::salute::salute::salute::salute:


I miss watching you play Rod! Will always be a favorite of mine!!


Best Undrafted Free Agent EVER!!


PEACE!!!

[Denver Native (Carol)]

I cannot find the press conference on tv, but 104.3FM is carrying it - Bowlen is talking now and is telling Rod that he wants to keep Rod in the organization, he wants him to stay in Denver, and he is sure they can find something he can do. Bowlen just said that Rod is the greatest player next to John that has played for him.

For those of you who can get it - it is on Comcast 26

Rod is talking and said he was going to take Pat and Mike up on the offer to stay in the organization.

[Requiem / The Dagda]

Rod Smith Blog Presser (http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/2008/07/24/live-from-smiths-presser/) -- No video, but you can read about it.

[shank]

Rod Smith Blog Presser (http://blog.denverbroncos.com/denverbroncos/2008/07/24/live-from-smiths-presser/) -- No video, but you can read about it.

wow, look at me... a teary-eyed bitch:tsk:

[NightTrainLayne]

Rod is talking and said he was going to take Pat and Mike up on the offer to stay in the organization.

I can't wait to see in what capacity.

[Requiem / The Dagda]

Assistant Head Coach, something awesome. Something important. Something to make people bust their butts. It's also nice to have read that he was with Brandon Marshall when he met with Goodell.

[Requiem / The Dagda]

This pretty much sums up the class act Rod Smith is.

“There’s four other organizations that I want to thank. The San Diego Chargers, the Oakland Raiders, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Seattle Seahawks. Those people and those other teams obviously make the NFL everything it was meant to be. It was just amazing to be a part of the Black Hole, part of Kansas City with all the fans chopping and going crazy, and the Chargers. Going into those environments with our groups was amazing, and our group coming on top the majority of the time was obviously better.”

[Tebow4Ever]

Blackjack pizza for dinner tonight..In Honor of Rod...

[Denver Native (Carol)]

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jul/24/broncos-rod-smith-retires/

Smith says goodbye to Broncos


ENGLEWOOD — While breaking down several times, Rod Smith on Thursday officially announced his retirement from the Broncos and the NFL.

“I gave everything I had,” said Smith, who set many team records during his time as a receiver after joining the team in 1995 as an undrafted free agent from Southwest Missouri State. “I’ve had an amazing time. I grew up here in Denver, and I’ll always be here in Denver. When you get embraced like I was embraced … I’m telling you it’s amazing.”

Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and coach Mike Shanahan both told Smith he’d always have a job in Denver, if he wants.

“I’m definitely going to take you up on your offer,” Smith said, though in what role is up in the air.

Bowlen called Smith “by far the most influential voice in this organization among the players. It took some time getting to that postion, but no question as he got into his career everyone listened to him and what he had to say.”

The quarterback with whom Smith spent most of his career, John Elway, said he empathizes with Smith.

“I know we all want to play forever. He will always miss it,” Elway said at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club, where he was competing in the Colorado Open. “He was a great credit to the Broncos organization.”

Asked whether Smith’s 80-yard TD reception in Denver’s 34-19 win over Green Bay in Super Bowl XXXIII was his favorite moment by Smith, Elway said: “That, or his first catch to win the game against the Redskins” on Sept. 17, 1995, a 43-yarder for a TD that gave the Broncos a 38-31 victory.

“He was a guy you could rely on week in and week out. And he was a great teammate.”

Jay Cutler was the last quarterback to throw to Smith, during the 2006 season.

"Rod Smith was one of the best all-around players I played with in the NFL -- and I only got play with him when he was too old and too slow, “ Cutler said laughing. “He was the undisputed leader of the team, which took a lot of pressure off of me. The standard Rod set was high and he led by example. The game will miss a player like Rod Smith."

[NightTrainLayne]

Asked whether Smith’s 80-yard TD reception in Denver’s 34-19 win over Green Bay in Super Bowl XXXIII was his favorite moment by Smith, Elway said: “That, or his first catch to win the game against the Redskins” on Sept. 17, 1995, a 43-yarder for a TD that gave the Broncos a 38-31 victory.



:confused:

You can tell someone was putting this together in a hurry, but otherwise good article.

[NightTrainLayne]

Man, I remember so well when Smith was young and had those flashes of brilliance, but had the problem with the dropped balls.

I remember thinking, "If he can learn to hold onto the ball, he can have a great career."

I'm so glad he worked on that aspect of his game and had such a great career in Denver. He worked his ass off, and has been rewarded well for it.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

A link to listen to Rod, Mike and Pat

http://www.850koa.com/cc-common/mainheadlines3.html?feed=261777&article=4002516

[BroncoJoe]

Thanks for the memories, Rod. You're a class act and will be missed.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b48/JoeArthur/RodsRings.jpg

[Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal]

Smith Steps Away




BroncosTV takes a look at Rod Smith's record-breaking career. BRONCOS TV

7/22: Banking on Potential
7/18: Daniel Graham Foundation Helps Educate
7/15: Much to be Played out at Receiver
7/15: NFL Network: Shanahan on Cutler



By Gray Caldwell
DenverBroncos.com

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- "I'm done. Thank you very much."

With those words, standing at a podium wearing a suit and two Super Bowl rings, Rod Smith bid a tearful goodbye to the game he has loved since childhood.

The 13-year receiver and career Bronco sat somberly in the front of the room Thursday, listening as President and CEO Pat Bowlen and Head Coach Mike Shanahan talked about a legendary career, then he stood to address the crowd of reporters, photographers, former teammates and current Broncos himself.

"I’m going to miss being in that seat right there," Smith said, standing in the team meeting room. "I’m going to miss the locker room. If I didn’t do anything else I hope I was a great teammate. That’s all I ever wanted to do, was win. And being a part of this organization was amazing. That’s all I’ve got."

And he gave a lot.

Smith was signed as an college free agent after he wasn't selected in the 1994 NFL Draft. He spent that season on the Broncos practice squad, then in 1995 he played in all 16 games and never looked back. From 1995 to 2006, Smith missed only nine games. He played in 183.

In that span, the 6-foot receiver from Missouri Southern University set more than half a dozen Broncos franchise records: 849 career receptions; 11,389 receiving yards; 12,488 all-purpose yards; 68 touchdown catches; 71 overall touchdowns; 31 100-yard receiving games; and eight 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Not bad for an undrafted receiver.

Speaking of which, Smith also leads all undrafted players in NFL history in every major career receiving category and leaves the game ranked 12th in the overall league annals in career receptions, 19th in career receiving yards and tied for 31st in career receiving touchdowns.

The three-time Pro Bowler is one of only seven players in NFL history to record back-to-back 100-catch seasons, which he did in 2000 and 2001. His streak of nine seasons with 70 or more catches from 1997-2005 ties for the second longest in league history.

There are 19 wide receivers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Smith has more catches than 18 of them.

Starting to sound like a list? That's a credit to the player Smith was. And in an era when it's harder and harder to find players who spend their entire career with a team, Smith did it all with the Broncos.

"When my son was born, the first football I ever bought him was an orange and blue Nerf football," said a teary-eyed Smith. "That was in college and it just so happens that was the uniform I’ve been wearing ever since. Fate put me here, and I’m glad."

"I’m always going to be in Denver. I’ve rooted myself in this city for a reason," he continued. "I never wanted to and I never got the opportunity to go anywhere else. And I appreciate that they never put me out to test the market -- the market for me has always been right here."

Much of the press conference was spent discussing Smith's illustrious career, filled with big plays and bigger records. But it wasn't all about the field with Smith. While he loved running between the hashmarks on Sundays, he loved helping out in the community just as much. Smith was a vocal leader on the field and in the locker room and it transferred to the community. He was voted the Broncos' Walter Payton Man of the Year in both 2004 and 2006, signifying his importance to his fellow players and coaches and the Denver community as a whole.

Most importantly, Smith loved the fans. And before he left the stage Thursday, he wanted to address the fans personally.

"The Broncos fans are special to me, and I appreciate all you guys really supporting me," Smith said. "I love when I see little kids running around the mall and they have on a No. 80 jersey, it just makes me smile. They don’t know how much that means to me. I’m letting you know, if I don’t come up to you personally, I appreciate you, every single one of you."

Asked what's next for him, Smith joked, "Some yardwork." But Smith leaving the game doesn't mean that he's leaving the Broncos organization. In fact, Bowlen wants to see to it that Smith always remains a part of the team.

"I hope there’s a way that we can keep you involved in this organization, that’s something that I’m a very strong proponent of," Bowlen said to Smith, who he called "obviously the greatest wide receiver to ever play for the Denver Broncos."

Smith said he would accept the team's offer to have a role in the organization after his retirement. At one point, Shanahan said Smith will always have a job with the team. Smith let out a big, "Yesssssss!" with a fist pump, drawing laughter from the crowd. "We'll have to talk about salary," Shanahan said with a smile.

But Smith's involvement won't be anything new. He has already been seen around the facilities at various times this offseason, chatting with coaches and players, even attending a practice during team camp. He talked with some of the new Broncos receivers, including Keary Colbert, who made it clear when he signed with the team that Smith is one of his idols.

"He has had a career that has been remarkable," Colbert said. "I’m really trying to put in a career and a season like he has done in the past. That’s the start of it really, getting to know how to do it through him. He has the blueprint, and I just have to follow it."

With such a remarkable career behind him, the talk around Smith will sooner rather than later turn toward Canton.

"People ask me should Rod Smith be in the Hall of Fame -- you’re darn right he should," Shanahan said.

Smith, standing beside a "Thanks for the memories" banner, was asked what he thought about his coach's comments.

"I think Mike’s a brilliant man," he laughed. "That just adds to his legacy."

"Honestly I don’t know how they measure who goes in the Hall of Fame," he added. "But I did everything I could, and I would love to have a speech there someday."

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=8167

Nice little video in that link^

[Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal]

Rod Smith Transcript




BroncosTV takes a look at Rod Smith's record-breaking career. BRONCOS TV

7/22: Banking on Potential
7/18: Daniel Graham Foundation Helps Educate
7/15: Much to be Played out at Receiver
7/15: NFL Network: Shanahan on Cutler



By Gray Caldwell
DenverBroncos.com

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Career Bronco Rod Smith bid football adieu on Thursday, announcing his retirement at a press conference along with team President and CEO Pat Bowlen and Head Coach Mike Shanahan.

The following is the transcript of the conference.

PRESIDENT AND CEO PAT BOWLEN

"[This is] part of a historic date today. The retirement of Rod Smith, obviously the greatest wide receiver that has ever played for the Denver Broncos. I could sit here and look at all his stats and talk about his accomplishments. You all know those already. I’d rather talk about Rod and his impact on the Denver Broncos and Pat Bowlen. You know, Rod, in the locker room, became over a period of time by far the most influential person in this organization among the players. He took his time getting that position, but there was no question in that in his career every player in that locker room was listening to him and respecting his opinion and what he had to say. And Rod, for that, I appreciate it, and I hope someday, before they carry me out of here in a pine box, that I’ll have another player like you that has that amount of influence and control in the locker room the way you were able to because to me it meant a lot more than what you were able to do on the field. In and of it is unprecedented. I hope there is a way we can keep you involved in this organization. That is something that I am a very strong proponent of. I want you to stick around Denver, and hopefully, Mike (Shanahan) and myself will be able find something for you to do because you are going to be very productive. That would be a big deal for us. Having said that, I will turn it over to Mike and let him have what he has to say. Again, summing it up, you are probably the greatest player—you are the greatest player next to John [Elway], to play for me. And if I ever get anybody like you or like John again, I am very fortunate."

HEAD COACH MIKE SHANAHAN

“Any time you are able to get a player like Rod Smith when you start out as a young coach, you really don’t know how lucky you are. Rod is the only person that I have ever been around on a consistent basis, day in, day out, that never cared about his stats. All Rod Smith talked about was winning. When you have a guy that talks about winning consistently, regardless of any number of catches or any honors, anyone who is able to influence the locker room like he has, then you have a chance to do something special. Rod Smith, in his 11 years, had (118) wins. There is only one other player that has been able to capture that many wins in an 11-year time frame. That just doesn’t happen. And the unique thing about it is the only reason that Rod on a day-to-day basis has been able to accomplish this, is he put wining first. We did something special as an organization because Rod Smith would not ever talk about himself or talk about his stats. And Rod, I can not thank you enough for setting the tone for this organization, when you average 11 wins over 11 years. When people ask me, “Should Rod Smith be in the Hall of Fame?” You’re darn right he should. There is only one person, and that is Art Monk, that’s going into the Hall of Fame in his position who has caught more passes. There are 19 receivers (in the Hall of Fame) with Art coming into the Hall of Fame this year, and Rod Smith’s catches that he has rank second (in that group). Take a look at the Super Bowl rings, there’s only four guys ahead of him. Take a look at [receiving] yards of all the receivers in the Hall of Fame, there are only (six) ahead of him. But the thing that separates Rod Smith, it was never about the stats. One of the reasons we have one of the best running games in the National Football League on a consistent basis, is that your wide receivers have to be able to block on the field. He took as much pride in blocking for the running backs, for other people, as he did catching the football. In today’s society, that doesn’t happen very often. And I am just so proud to have a guy like this, that I am hope is with this organization for a long time. I don’t care what capacity. You always have a job here. We’ll have to talk about salary. Anyway, I love you, you have meant so much to us, to me, and I tell you what, I’ll always have your back. Thanks.”

[Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal]

WIDE RECEIVER ROD SMITH

Opening Statement

“I wanted to actually keep my job but that didn’t work out. I had a lot of things that I wanted to talk about. I was going to joke and say that I was going to come back, but I don’t want to do that. For one, it’s because of my two boys going into high school and I want to be able to see them play. I am definitely going to take you all (the organization) up on that offer. At least I know I can get a job somewhere, and that is a good thing. I don’t plan on working for the media, but I do plan on writing a book, let me just say that right up front. It won’t be anything dirty because there is nothing dirty about this organization.

This organization is top-notch and I have been very fortunate to play for the best owner in sports, not just pro football. I’ve been able to play for the best coach in sports. I have had some of the most amazing coaches and teammates. I have been blessed. It couldn’t have been better being a guy from a small school, Missouri Southern, from Texarkana, Arkansas, and getting to come to an establishment like this and get to be a part of something special. I see Keith Burns over there. It is hard, but with a guy like Keith by my side giving me help… I knew this was going to happen (tearing up). That is why I came prepared.

I have had an amazing time. The city has embraced me and my family. They all wished they could have been here today but we put it together last minute. Sacco (Broncos Vice President of Public Relations Jim Saccomano), thank you for doing that. I didn’t want to take up the guys, as far as camp, getting started and getting the Broncos back to the top.

People have been on my side. Where is Woody Paige? This guy inspired my career with one article. That is the only article I have ever read of his. It was bad. I told him I was going to talk about this. It was a preseason game and I was catching punts. I am trying to make the team and I am hungry. I fair caught a punt and I caught it on the seven. I did it twice. The next day he said that it was a good thing they didn’t throw Rod Smith a pass because he would have fair caught it. That pissed me off. I said, ‘You know what? I am going to prove that guy wrong.’ I never read another one of his articles by the way. It’s crazy, but the article inspired me. Woody is very good at what he does and it made me mad, but it inspired me. I wanted to prove that if the Broncos threw me the football I was going to catch it. So thank you Woody (Paige) for the first time ever. Thank you. Its also the last time I am going to thank you.

It has just been amazing. I have so many emotions going, so many players I want to talk about, so many families and so many people in this community that have helped me grow up. I really did grow up here in Denver. I am always going to be in Denver. I moved myself into this city for a reason. When you get embraced the way I have been embraced, by the fans, the ownership, the coaches and the people who work upstairs, it is amazing. I actually talked to (Ross Kurcab) today, the guy who does the turf at the stadium. I talked to Jake Plummer today and had a good laugh with him. All of these experiences was from me getting the opportunity. Wade Phillips gave me the first opportunity and then Mike Shanahan took over from there. I am so fortunate that I never wanted to or never had the opportunity to go anywhere else and I appreciate that you didn’t put me out there to test the market because the market for me has always been right here.

There are a lot of friends and family I want to talk about but I would be here all day. Also want to thank Jack Mills (agent). I actually signed with him without ever meeting him. (I signed with him) based off of his resume and based off of what people said about him. I have been with him for 14 years, and his character is very high and I knew I had picked the right guy when we came up here to sign my contract, they said, Jack you know where to go’ and pointed him upstairs. He knew exactly where to go, and I knew he had that type of relationship with the organization. It worked out great.

I was meant to be right here. When my son was born, the first football I ever bought him was orange and blue. That was when I was in college. It just so happens, it is the same color I have been wearing for 14 years. My mom, my sisters and brothers wanted to be here, but like I said we put this together at the last minute and with gas prices as high as they are, it is sad that gas prices are costing my family from being here. We have some other stuff planned this season. We are going to be attending games together as a group. They all wanted to wait on that because they love the Denver Broncos and they want to be a part of us. It is always going to be us because the Denver Broncos are always in my heart. I know the coaching staff taught me how to be a professional and I can’t thank them enough for that.

I gave everything I had and it cost me a couple of surgeries. I definitely want to talk about Greek (Broncos Head Athletic Trainer Steve Antonopulos) and his crew. There have been quite a few guys in their training room over the years that have helped me. Those guys have done a great job for me as well as the press staff—Paul Kirk, Dave (Gaylinn) and Patrick (Smyth). It is really hard to reach out to everybody individually, but I really appreciate all that you guys have done. You have made me, not only a better football player, but you made me a better man. I can’t thank you guys enough for that. I don’t want to take up a lot of your time.

I had some amazing mentors in my life. A few of them just passed recently and I would just like to thank them. My college football coach taught me how to dream big and it worked.

I’m going to miss being in that seat right there. I am going to miss the locker room. If I didn’t do anything else, I hope that I was a great teammate because all I ever wanted to do was win and to be a part of this organization I won. That’s all I got.

I appreciate all of your time. To the media members, I apologize for being all over you guys. That was part of my job. When you guys were writing stuff, some of that start up crap, my job was to take the bullets and at times I did a great job of that but I personally have nothing against you guys except for Woody.

The people I have in my life because of this organization are amazing, and I couldn’t ask for anything else. So I am done, thank you very much.”

[Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal]

On what he will do next:

“Going to do some yard work. Honestly right now I have a lot of things going on. I have some projects going on. From day one when I walked into this building, I didn’t know where I was going to be, so I always prepared myself for life after football. Football just kept getting in the way for 14 years, thank god. I have some projects I have been working on for the past six or seven years and now I have the time to finish them up without me getting in the way. I can give a lot more time to my family because they deserve that. I also get to do a lot more traveling and have time to see some of my friends.

“I do have another thing to say, this is going to sound crazy but I want to thank four other organizations. the Kansas City Chiefs, the San Diego Chargers, the Oakland Raiders and the Seattle Seahawks. I know it is kind of crazy, but I played against those four teams more than any other team and their fans were amazing, even though they were booing and throwing stuff. I respected that. That is what the NFL is all about, going into a hostile environment with our coaches, our team and our trainers going in against everybody. It was amazing to be a part of the black hole, going into Arrowhead Stadium with all the fans chopping. In the Kingdome and at the Chargers, going into those environments, I want to thank them for that. That was a big part of my life.”

[Jwalk - JayCutty6Goes - CasinoRoyal]

On Coach Shanahan’s assessment of him being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame:

“I think Mike’s a brilliant man. I think this adds to his legacy. Honestly, I don’t know how to measure who goes into the Hall of Fame. I know people who didn’t put on cleats made it into the Hall of Fame. And there are some guys in this organization also. I would just like to congratulate Gary Zimmerman for getting inducted into the Hall of Fame. I played with him and John (Elway). Those are the only two guys to wear blue and orange to get to go in the Hall of Fame. We had tons of players throughout the history of the Denver Broncos organization had I think [the opportunity to get inducted]. I don’t know how they [the voters] judge it or what they base it on. I don’t know if it’s based on wins or losses or what, but I did everything I could and I would love to have a speech there one day. John started it off for us and hopefully every year we should have people on the ballot because of the people in this organization have done an excellent job of putting top notch players on the football field.”

On his future role in the Broncos organization:

“Honestly, anything I could do to help. I just know that through my experiences of being in this organization I’ve been the longest established [current] player besides Tommy [Nalen]. Tommy is the old guy now, he’s the last guy left. Tommy was on the practice squad with me. Well, only a few weeks, he didn’t stay the whole time. Fortunately for the Denver Broncos he was able to get promoted [from the practice squad]. He’s a Hall of Fame center. He should be one of those guys [who should be inducted]. He’s an amazing talent. He was on the practice squad at one point. He was drafted right before ‘Mr. Irrelevant.’ That’s why I don’t like him because he was able to get drafted and I didn’t get drafted. I don’t like drafted guys. Even [Special Teams Assistant] Keith [Burns], he got drafted, but he’s my boy. I just want to help if I can. I don’t want to come in and be a distraction. At the same time I know there are some things I want to do outside of those gates with my family and friends and some of the business contacts I made over the years. A lot of that has been manifested based on what I’ve done for a living. I appreciate Mr. Bowlen and Mike for giving me the opportunity to be in this locker room for a long time.”

On the significance of wearing his two Super Bowl rings at his retirement ceremony:

“My son was right there with me and he asked, ‘Where is the other one?’ So I pulled out the other drawer and I thought to myself that I was just going to wear one, but I realize that both of them were special. The type of organization we have is represented by these two rings. That’s the only thing we do is chase those two rings day-in and day-out. The guys that are coming tomorrow have already started back in March. If you want to win championships at the end of the season you have to win it in the offseason. And tomorrow begins their quest. And I expect them to do very well. I still talk to a lot of those guys all the time. They are family to me and pretty much every week we have something going on. Any way I could help them I’ll do it.”

Closing remarks:

“Anybody I’ve never signed an autograph for I’m sorry. I would like to say that because people would try to get you to sign all the time. Honestly, I tried, I’ve sent back so many because my mailbox was so full. I appreciate the fans. Even NFL fans in general, but the Broncos fans are special to me. I appreciate all of you guys really supporting me. When I see little kids running around in the mall with No. 80 jerseys on it makes you smile. They don’t know how much it means to me. Today, I’m letting you guys know if I never come up to you personally I appreciate every last one of you.”

HEAD COACH MIKE SHANAHAN

On his fondest memory of Rod Smith:

“I think that the play that really sticks out for me is in the Super Bowl. We put a play on the sideline and [Atlanta S] Eugene Robinson was supporting a little bit different from what he had been practicing for and all of a sudden Rod saw it and took him down the sideline and all of a sudden it was a touchdown and it became the play of the game. I think the big plays that really stuck out in my mind are plays that we talked about briefly before about what winning is all about. That’s to fight to block a defensive back or safety as a wide receiver and you get no credit from anyone except his peers. The offensive line and the quarterback would say, ‘Hey, that’s how you work.’ That’s how you measure in my opinion how great a player is— When no one knows what you are doing except the players. When you are going to knock somebody out when you are 200 pounds and this guy is 230 pounds as a safety and they are looking out for you, that’s respect and that’s what he’s been able to do. We had another great one here in [WR] Ed McCaffrey who did exactly the same thing. That’s how you win championships and that’s why he has more rings over his career than anybody except one guy during those 11 years.”

On when he first thought that Rod Smith was the right guy:

“What you do when you first come in as a head coach is try to look at film all the time. And you’re watching the wide receivers going against our defense and you have the scout team offense going against your first team defense. And you keep on looking at a guy and saying ‘Why can’t they cover this guy?’ Our starters should be able to cover our scout team wide receivers. Then you watch him on special teams and as a scout team special team player. Then you say, ‘Holy cow. I’ve got myself a football player.’ When you watch his work ethic just think about this: Six hundred practices, 13 years and he never missed one. I always say to win championships you have to have a work ethic, but you’ve got overachievers and you’ve got overachievers with ability, and you got overachievers with great ability. If you don’t have those guys you don’t win. If you’ve got overachievers with great ability then you have a chance to get in the Hall of Fame. That’s what we have in Rod Smith."

[Rick]

Nothing more needs to be said to you Rod than: :salute:

[BANJOPICKER1]

The 2nd God of the Broncos.:D WOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO!

GOOOOOOOOOOO BRONCOS!!!!:salute:

[claymore]

Never be in the hall of fame......... But I love the dude.......... Its the team not the player...... Man I hope I am wrong.

[WARHORSE]

Ok.

I got misty eyed when I watched the man.



OK OK!


A tear or two fell down.

[shank]

video is up on broncos official site

EDIT: broken video... pretty much just audio

[shank]

clips on cbs

http://cbs4denver.com/video/?cid=97

[shank]

nfl.com story, with video

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80977125&template=with-video&confirm=true

[DenverBronkHoes]

deeply saddended..... but excited for 5 years from now

good for Rod.... most prolific undrafted NFL player ever and ever will be......

theres a wonderful story behind Rod.... id love to see a book from him.....

wow.....

[broncogirl7]

Good Luck Rod and we will miss you greatly. See you in the Hall of Fame!

[Canmore]

Truely a class act. Good luck you will be missed.

[Denver Native (Carol)]

http://cbs4denver.com/broncos/broncos.smith.retires.2.778506.html

This covers it all, but too long to post here:

Rod Smith Tearfully Announces Retirement

Also watch the video - some of Rod talking, and a recent interview with TD, which is very good.

[Stargazer]

GL #80 with the rest of your life. Hope to see you in Canton.

[theVANCE]

:salute:


http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/durovich/tdsalute.jpg

[Retired_Member_001]

I wish his website was still up so I could send a couple of words to him. Amazing player who did a hell of alott for this team. Every young player, every young PERSON should watch a highlight reel of Rod Smith's life and learn from him. The way he conducted himself was second to none.

I hope he comes back as a coach one day.

[Peerless]

I will miss Rod... :(

Thank you for everything.

[MOtorboat]

The whole presser is here:

www.denverbroncos.com

[AlWilsonizKING]

:salute:


http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/durovich/tdsalute.jpg


Great Pic!!!


PEACE!!!

[BroncoJoe]

http://www2.jsonline.com/packer/sbxxxiii/image/13199/smith131.jpg

[NightTrainLayne]

http://www2.jsonline.com/packer/sbxxxiii/image/13199/smith131.jpg

Rod: "We ain't the Indianapolis Colts Bitch!"

[BroncoJoe]

After the catch:

http://www.mssu.edu/athletics/rodsmith.jpg

[BroncoJoe]

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b48/JoeArthur/Smith-TD.jpg

[studbucket]

Just thought I'd post this here. Thanks for all the great Rod content.

Even Florio from PFT thinks Rod should make the hall.

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/07/25/rod-smith-the-hall-of-fame-debate/

Let me preface this by saying that I’m a firm believer that Hall of Fames are diluted. I don’t begrudge the guys who make it, I simply believe that the construct of the processes has resulted in the cliche “Hall of Very Goods.”

That being said, Rod Smith’s retirement announcement immediately kicks off the debate about whether he should be enshrined in Canton. I think he absolutely deserves a spot.

Compared to the current crop of 19 Hall of Fame receivers, Smith has more career receptions (849) than all but Art Monk. His yardage totals (11,389) rank seventh. And while those comparisons are skewed because Smith played in an era of evolved passing, his achievements (including two Super Bowl wins and three Pro Bowls) compare favorably with the contemporary pass-catchers in the group, especially Michael Irvin. He proved effective in big games, as well, catching five receptions for 152 yards and a touchdown (an 80-yard catch) in Super Bowl XXXIII. He had two stellar seasons in 2000 and 2001, but also showed consistency, posting eight 1,000-yard seasons, including six in a row from 1997-2002.

It also might seem like a double standard, as prominent NFL draftees are warned that it’s not how they get there, but what they do once they get there, but Smith rose from the ranks of undrafted free agency to ascend to those heights and did it with character — he was a finalist for the league’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2004.

Smith will suffer from his workmanlike demeanor and relative lack of name power, as well as the fact that even in his prime he was never the NFL’s best receiver, even for a season. And with a lot of prominent names looking to enter Canton in the near future, including Cris Carter, Tim Brown, and Jerry Rice at his own position, Smith would have to wait a few (possibly many) years. In the end, though, I think the evidence stacks up that he should be in Canton someday.

[AlWilsonizKING]

"I think the evidence stacks up that he should be in Canton in 5 years."


The only thing I disagreed with...


PEACE!!!

[shank]

"I think the evidence stacks up that he should be in Canton in 5 years."


The only thing I disagreed with...


PEACE!!!

well, i think you have to wait 5 years after retiring before you can even be on the ballot... or something like that.

also, they have the full presser with pat and mike's speeches, as well as rod's entire speech and question answering on the denver broncos official site now. rod ftw, always.

[AlWilsonizKING]

well, i think you have to wait 5 years after retiring before you can even be on the ballot... or something like that.


Yeah, but the writer had wrote "he should be in Canton SOMEDAY"

I changed it to "in 5 years" because he should be 1st ballot!!!


PEACE!!!

[broncosfanscott]

http://www2.jsonline.com/packer/sbxxxiii/image/13199/smith131.jpg

I love that picture and the fact that Eugene Robinson got totally burned. He ran his mouth and lost to us twice in the SB.....gotta love it. I also love it when TD juked Robinson and made him look liike a fool.

[Watchthemiddle]

http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/2558/elwayltdsmithrq9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/1497/rstdcatchvatl00qq7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[BroncoTech]

Here's to the best 3rd and 7 guy we ever had. I'll always remember him as our go to guy, and his smooth graceful stride. It looked like he wasn't even trying to run fast yet no one was gaining ground on him. And his leadership is clearly what the Broncos of last year were lacking. I hope he's around to mentor this young team. Can't wait for the book.

[AlWilsonizKING]

http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/2558/elwayltdsmithrq9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)



That's my favorite catch by Rod. Every time I start to think of him my first thought is this catch....it's just too bad we lost that game.


PEACE!!!

[Denver Native (Carol)]

Reggis Rivers sat down with Rod after Rod's retirement - GREAT video:

http://cbs4denver.com/video/?id=44861@kcnc.dayport.com