Broncos' Smith reaches the 'end' zone
By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Originally published 03:57 p.m., July 23, 2008
Updated 08:37 a.m., July 24, 2008
Chris Schneider © The Rocky
Rod Smith runs with the ball for a 72 yard reception in the second quarter of the New England Patriots at the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colo., on Sunday, October 16, 2005. The Broncos won 28 to 20 to go 5-1.
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Photo by Marc Piscotty © The Rocky/2005
Denver Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith sprints past Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Dexter McCleon during first quarter action Monday night Sept. 26, 2005 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver.
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* Born: May 15, 1970.
* Height: 6 feet.
* Weight: 200 pounds.
* College: Missouri Southern.
* Signed by Broncos: Undrafted free agent, 1994.
The end is here for one longtime Broncos great.
And the beginnings for two potential franchise cornerstones remain temporarily on hold.
A news conference is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday as an official send-off for Rod Smith, who'll go from the reserve list to retired.
Expect no future Brett Favre-type drama in this particular case.
Left hip issues and two subsequent surgeries have sapped Smith of the physical gifts that made him the Broncos' all-time leader in most receiving categories, a sure entrant to the Ring of Fame and a contender for enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
While Smith's heart remains in the game, his 38-year-old body simply won't allow it. He finishes his career with more receptions (849), yards (11,389) and receiving touchdowns (68) than any other undrafted player in NFL history.
His popularity with fans and teammates during 14 years in Denver was best summed up by Broncos safety John Lynch, who said, "If Rod was a politician, he'd get the red states and the blue states." Smith likely will be honored at halftime of a Broncos home game this season.
"Rod came to work," former Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe said. "I'm proud to have played the years I played with him. For a guy to come out undrafted and play, what, 13 years, and become the franchise's all-time leading receiver.
"Three Pro Bowls, two Super Bowls, it all speaks for itself. He got every ounce of everything from his career."
Smith's send-off will occur just a couple hours before the initial team meeting of training camp, where items such as guaranteed money and contract structure could keep Denver's first two draft picks - offensive tackle Ryan Clady and receiver Eddie Royal - away.
But late Wednesday, there were strong indications the Royal deal was nearing completion and could be finalized this morning.
Royal, the 42nd pick, is expected to eventually sign a four-year deal with about $2.3 million to $2.5 million in guarantees.
Clady, the 12th pick in April, instructed his agent during the offseason to broker a deal by the time the Broncos officially convened for the 2008 season.
The clock is ticking to the final hours, which is not unusual given past draft-pick negotiations in Denver.
"It's definitely important," the first-round selection said earlier this month. "I don't want to miss any time and be back a little bit in the learning curve. I definitely want to be in camp on time."
The absence doesn't officially reach holdout status until two-a-day practices start with an 11:15 a.m. workout Friday.
No deal appeared imminent Wednesday as Clady's representative, Pat Dye Jr., and Royal's agent, Todd France, continued hashing out details with Broncos officials.
Clady's deal is expected to be in the $10 million to $11 million range in guarantees.
Staff writer Sam Adams contributed to this report.
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July 23, 2008
4:18 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
We'll miss you Rod. You were a true Bronco. You were a gentleman and a fine football player. God bless you and thanks for all of the exciting years of being able to watch you play. Enjoy the retirement and do some of those "other things" that a person likes to do, at this point in your life.
July 23, 2008
4:28 p.m.
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Squatch writes:
Thanks Rod. We are thankful that you were an important weapon that Elway could use to win a championship for the State of Colorado. 2 Superbowl rings isnt half bad when you finally have to hang them up. Hopefully the Broncos hang on to you as a coach to light a fire under some of these guys.
July 23, 2008
4:29 p.m.
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Big_D writes:
We will miss you Rod! You will always be a champion. They should ask him to be a personal coach for rookie receivers.
July 23, 2008
4:40 p.m.
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fjv1026 writes:
Rod Smith = Total Class. If he isn't elected to the Hall of Fame, I'm done watching football.
July 23, 2008
4:44 p.m.
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jeffdragon writes:
The timestamp on this story is a lie. It was NOT originally published at 3:57 p.m. - just coincidentally happening to be the time when the DENVER POST broke the story on their website.
Just continues to show what a bunch of lying weasels the Snooze is. Just admit you got scooped, Snooze.
July 23, 2008
5:08 p.m.
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denmex writes:
in rod we trust.
thanks rod ill never, ever forget u man, ur aprouch 2 the game should be the way every player aprouch 2 it.
July 23, 2008
5:13 p.m.
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Jim_in_Erie writes:
Mr Smith goes to Canton?
Sure hope so.
Surely the Ring of Fame, and retire his #.
And if Shannahan doesn't at least consider him for some level of receiver's coach, all the more reason to cancel that "mastermind" myth.
And really now, who cares who "posted" this story first?
Isn't the fact that the Broncos have officially lost a great team member much more important?
Is anyone left of the Super Bowl years?
Players I mean.
July 23, 2008
5:19 p.m.
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OrangeCrush_77 writes:
If Rod had played in New York, Chicago or any other major media market, I believe that he would eventually get in the Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, I don't think it will happen.
However, I have not missed a Bronco game in 30+ years and I can honestly say that he was my favorite Bronco. Consummate Pro, who did anything and everything to help his team win (on and off the field). I am truly grateful that I was able to watch his entire career play out.
He is a lesson in perseverance, hard work and class - AND HE WILL BE MISSED!! Love you, Rod! Best of luck!!!
July 23, 2008
5:37 p.m.
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cruz3d writes:
Like everyone else's posts, I too, will miss number 80. His work ethic and his desire to go all out on every play made him a favorite of many Bronco fans. I just hope that Shanny can make room for him on his staff because of those qualities and a link to the championship years.
Best of luck Rod, and I do hope to continue seeing you on the sidelines as one of the assistant coaches.
July 23, 2008
5:39 p.m.
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kc02 writes:
Rod Smith was a great Bronco, and a example to all of how hard work can get you where you want to go. Congrats on a great career, undrafted free agent!
July 23, 2008
6:56 p.m.
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platoro79 writes:
A Hall of Famer in my book! If everyone worked as hard as Rod, the team would be champs nearly every year. My all time favorite Bronco!!
July 24, 2008
6:36 a.m.
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hdfresh writes:
I am going to miss the Rod Smith and Eddie Mac days. What a great tandem that was. Rod definately has a great career ahead of him either as a coach or even media broadcasting. I don't see a hall of fame induction unfortunately even though he deserves it. Many non-Coloradans would say he doesn't have the overall stats to make it.
July 24, 2008
7:33 a.m.
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SE7EN writes:
One of the best broncos ever, in character, work ethic and skills. A guy who makes me proud to be a Bronco fan. We love you Rod. Thanks for all you've done for the NFL and for the Broncos.
July 24, 2008
8 a.m.
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2coolvk writes:
I remember when he first started out and it seemd like every game the first couple of years he would drop would looked like a simple pass and you could hear the fans in the stands grumble a bit. But Rod overcame that to truly become a team leader and one of very few players I have the upmost admiration for. Good Luck to you Rod, we will see you in the Ring of fame and hopefully in the Hall of fame as well.
July 24, 2008
8:03 a.m.
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mt2ri writes:
You the MAN ROD !!!! Good luck in the future !!!!!!
July 24, 2008
9:07 a.m.
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noneyabeeswax writes:
BUMMER.
Thanks, Rod, for so many fine years of playing for the Broncos. I know they will miss their "go-to guy."
I will too. There's only one #80 in my book.
Enjoy retirement!
July 24, 2008
9:43 a.m.
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sawzallartist writes:
I think Nalen is the last from the Super Bowl years.
Rod...I will miss you and your take on the game.
July 24, 2008
11:05 a.m.
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discer writes:
From Al Denson and Billy Van Heusen to Haven Moses and Riley Odoms to the Three Amigo's Rod Smith was the very best I have ever seen wearing a Broncos jersey. With Smith and Eddie Mac as the best duo. If Marshall would inherit one fourth of Rod Smith's work ethic and humility he could be all world. Coach Shanahan could do a lot worse than hire Smith as Marshall's personal coach. Better yet Marshall should hire Smith!
July 24, 2008
1:18 p.m.
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Dynamicdave writes:
Jim_in_Erie, as sawzallarist stated, Nalen is the last. Time for the "Next Generation".
July 24, 2008
3:36 p.m.
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arvada_mark writes:
Thank you, Rod...
I still remember his 1st catch. It was a 49 yarder (I think) from John. Last play of regulation, the Broncs were down by a few, less than 6, we were at midfield, & John just let it go. None of this hail mary mumbo jumbo. John went the other way. It was Rod & a couple of Redskins defenders on the goal line. Jump ball, who comes down with it? That's right, ROD SMITH, TOUCHDOWN! BRONCOS WIN! You know how the story goes from there.
So what, he goes up on the Ring at halftime of opening day, I assume? His jersey should be retired also. Then the Broncos should begin a five year campaign to get him enshrined in the Hall. They both deserve it, but I'd rather see Rod in the Hall over TD. And I don't want to argue over who deserves it more, that's just how I feel.
How does Coach Rod sound? He needs to pass on some of his game to somebody.
July 24, 2008
4:56 p.m.
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arvada_mark writes:
I just watched the Shanny video, & if, as he says, Rod is too smart to coach, then how about....Mayor Rod Smith?
I like the ring to it (no pun intended). And it does seem as if Mayor Hick's side deals with the Dems has placed himout of favor wiht a good portion of this city.