Denver Native (Carol)
11-08-2007, 05:50 PM
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nfl/article/0,2777,DRMN_23918_5742745,00.html
Broncos' Smith a team player even when inactive
November 8, 2007
ENGLEWOOD — Broncos receiver Rod Smith opened up some today about landing on injured reserve and his murky future after a vigorous but ultimately failed comeback attempt from hip surgery.
Denver's all-time leading receiver in several categories, Smith had avoided discussing his situation the past week for fear of becoming a distraction and putting selfish motives above his struggling team.
He made a statement but didn't field questions.
"It's kind of tough for me right now knowing last week I wasn't going to get to finish the season as far as getting a chance to play," he said. "But I have to be realistic. I took something that was realistically a 12-month injury and tried to make it (back in) 81/2, 9.
"It was a grind, and I was basically tearing my body up trying to do it. Everybody did what they could to try and help me get back."
His role now turns to part-time coach and full-time motivator. He already has worked with Taylor Jacobs and Glenn Martinez on their receiving skills.
"I'm still a part of this football team no matter what," Smith noted. "I'm going to be here every day ... out there at every practice and every football game and help facilitate in any way I can, interpret defenses and help our players and let them know about winning football."
As for his playing future beyond 2007, Smith was noncommittal.
"I'm not worried about it. As far as next year, I'm not worried about it," he said. "I just want to get through this football season and actually get comfortable with my body, because right now I still have discomfort in my hip.
"... If nothing else, I want to be able to live a normal life, whether I play football again or not."
Broncos' Smith a team player even when inactive
November 8, 2007
ENGLEWOOD — Broncos receiver Rod Smith opened up some today about landing on injured reserve and his murky future after a vigorous but ultimately failed comeback attempt from hip surgery.
Denver's all-time leading receiver in several categories, Smith had avoided discussing his situation the past week for fear of becoming a distraction and putting selfish motives above his struggling team.
He made a statement but didn't field questions.
"It's kind of tough for me right now knowing last week I wasn't going to get to finish the season as far as getting a chance to play," he said. "But I have to be realistic. I took something that was realistically a 12-month injury and tried to make it (back in) 81/2, 9.
"It was a grind, and I was basically tearing my body up trying to do it. Everybody did what they could to try and help me get back."
His role now turns to part-time coach and full-time motivator. He already has worked with Taylor Jacobs and Glenn Martinez on their receiving skills.
"I'm still a part of this football team no matter what," Smith noted. "I'm going to be here every day ... out there at every practice and every football game and help facilitate in any way I can, interpret defenses and help our players and let them know about winning football."
As for his playing future beyond 2007, Smith was noncommittal.
"I'm not worried about it. As far as next year, I'm not worried about it," he said. "I just want to get through this football season and actually get comfortable with my body, because right now I still have discomfort in my hip.
"... If nothing else, I want to be able to live a normal life, whether I play football again or not."