Broncos' Smith: 'Fate put me here, and I'm glad'
Emotions run high as receiver hangs up his cleats
By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published July 24, 2008 at 2:18 p.m.
Video: Would retiring Smith’s jersey sway Hall of Fame vote? Watch »
Video: Former Broncos Rod Smith says farewell to fans, Broncos. Watch »
Photo by Barry Gutierrez
Rod Smith wipes a tear away after announcing his retirement Thursday.
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- THE BRONCS ZOO: Can you replace Jason Elam?
- SLIDE SHOW: Rod Smith through the years
- SAM-ULCAST: Which back will emerge for the Broncos?
- VIDEO: Smith says farewell to fans, Broncos
- VIDEO: Shanahan talks about Smith, 2008 team
- WIN, LOSE & DREW: Rod Smith: A Touch of Class
- TRIVIA: The top all-time Broncos receiver should be easy given the news. Can you name the next nine?
Back in small-town Missouri during college, before 14 years of NFL thrills in Denver had entered his mind, Rod Smith gave his infant son, Devin, his first football.
For no particular reason, the gift was blue and orange.
"It just so happens it was the same colors I've worn ever since," Smith reminisced during his retirement news conference Thursday.
"Fate put me here," he added tearfully. "And I'm glad."
Hard work kept Smith with the Broncos -- 600 straight practices without a miss at one point before left hip injuries finally took their toll and prompted him to step away from the game.
Add in a leadership component Pat Bowlen said was unparalleled from any player during his time as the club's owner. Put in more than a dash of ability and you've got the Broncos' all-time record holder in several pass-catching categories.
"But the thing that separates Rod Smith is, it never was about the stats," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said.
Winning, he noted, was the bottom line for the undrafted receiver from Missouri Southern.
And from 1997 to 2006, only Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jon Runyan (104) compiled more than Smith's 102 victories in the league.
"I'm going to miss being in that seat," Smith said, pointing to a spot in the team meeting room where the news conference took place. "I'm going to miss the locker room. And if I don't do anything else, I hope I was a great teammate."
As Smith hugged the dais to steady himself, breaking down several times, he was weighed down equally by Super Bowl rings on both hands.
Smith, never flashy, doesn't take out his two coveted pieces of jewelry often. But as he dressed for the celebration Thursday and slipped on his glitzy reminders of past glories, he couldn't help but see the winding road his career had taken since his son was with him in the room again.
Now, without a playing career to occupy his time, Smith will get to spend more quality time with Devin and Roderick as the two sons begin high school football careers and his daughter, Vanessa, nears her own path to college.
Smith beamed behind dark sunglasses as he talked about the possibility all three children eventually might move from Florida and Missouri to be near him in Colorado. Smith definitely plans to stay here.
"I grew up in Denver and I'll always be here in Denver," he said. "When you get embraced like I was embraced, I'm telling you, it's amazing."
Bowlen and Shanahan have offered the receiver a role within the organization, to which Smith responded he'll "definitely" be taking them up on the offer.
The specifics of any future job aren't known, but it likely won't be on the sideline, because he already turned down the receivers coach position in February.
Besides, Smith already has responsibilities that occupy his time. His construction company is building an office complex in Monument and a shopping center in Pueblo.
He plans to write a book but promises no dirt on the likes of John Elway, Shannon Sharpe, Terrell Davis and others with whom he'll forever be closely identified.
Money surely shouldn't be an issue, something he's proud of, given his humble roots in Texarkana, Ark.
Keith Burns, perhaps Smith's closest friend during his career, related his buddy rarely wanted to spend on himself and always had an eye on his post-football security.
"He watched his money -- like stuff his mattress money, not really trusting the banks or anything like that," Burns joked. "If he's got a chest or something, that's where his money is."
Smith's agent, Jack Mills, recalled his final negotiation for his longtime client, in which he reminded him he only received $5,000 in 1994 when the player broke into the league.
"He said, 'Jack, it was $2,700 after taxes,' " Mills said with a laugh. "That's Rod. He remembers what his net, take-home pay was."
Smith's worth on and off the field almost was as easy to calculate.
Shanahan talked up Smith's credentials for the Pro Football Hall of Fame as the most productive undrafted player in NFL history. Bowlen, the owner since 1984, went so far as to say Smith was "the greatest player next to John that played for me."
Smith responded he's unsure of the criteria used for enshrinement in Canton, Ohio, but added, "I'd love to make a speech there one day, honestly."
And as for playing second fiddle to only Elway? Bowlen's words took Smith aback, especially knowing the franchise's history like he does.
"That, to me, is a huge honor," he said.
Elway and Smith were linked by an 80-yard touchdown that blew open Super Bowl XXXIII.
"He was a guy you could rely on week in and week out," Elway said.
The festivities Thursday, in typical Smith fashion, were put together quickly because he didn't want to detract from training camp, which officially begins today.
He admitted he knew almost certainly before the season finale against Minnesota last season his playing career was over but wanted to make sure.
Despite two major hip surgeries and some concussions the past several years, Smith is walking away in relatively good health.
"There's still issues," Smith said. "When you have a metal part in your body, it's never going to be the same. It limits me somewhat. Could I have possibly played football? Possibly. But do I want to go out there and grind it out and get myself in that kind of shape? It's hard. And I couldn't do that to my body because I can't see going out there and playing this year being better for my body."
Staff writer Daniel J. Chacon contributed to this report.
The Denver City Council will honor Smith with a proclamation Monday.
"When you talk about role models, he's the capital role model," said Councilman Michael Hancock, who initiated the proclamation.
Hancock, who is friends with Smith, said the Broncos great has "given so much back to the community" through blood drives and other contributions.
"Not only that, he sets the tone," Hancock said. "This guy has three degrees, and people don't realize that. I certainly don't mind holding him up in front of my kids and saying, 'Follow his lead.' "
Hancock said Smith planned to accept the proclamation in person.
"He said he didn't have a job, so he might as well show up," Hancock said, laughing.
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July 24, 2008
3:26 p.m.
Suggest removal
bloomdog writes:
Hey, don't you mean Smith’s 80-yard TD reception in Denver’s 34-19 win over ATLANTA???? in Super Bowl XXXIII ?!?!!
I need a job, I should take yours...
July 24, 2008
3:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
Squatch writes:
I remember one time after a playoff game at mile high we waited to get some autographs and Rod came out and signed for well over an hour and signed everybodys stuff. My Mom asked if she could shake his hand and he laughed and said " I never been asked that before but sure" he shoke her hand and said " thank you ma'am for coming out tonight and watching us play. Have a goodnight."
From that day forward he I knew he was a class act and actually DID CARE about the fans. Thanks Rod you will be missed and thanks for the momories.
July 24, 2008
3:43 p.m.
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O_TRAIN writes:
good call bloomdog. Remember they were late coming back from the commercial and the play had already started - we almost missed it.
Best of luck Rod, thanks for the memories.
July 24, 2008
3:48 p.m.
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ISKIFREELY writes:
Farewell to a class act.
July 24, 2008
3:51 p.m.
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BroncoRick69 writes:
P'lease. The real fans still have the recording on VHS knowing it was johns last game and all.
July 24, 2008
3:59 p.m.
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SteveC writes:
I have that game on VHS! I also have a Smith Jersey that I will probably hang on the wall next to my signed Atwater jersey. Rod was one of the best to ever play and the fans and players will miss him.
July 24, 2008
4:02 p.m.
Suggest removal
RustyWon writes:
On behalf of all Broncos Fans past present and future, - Thank You Rod.
You embodied the class that is so sorely lacking in most professional sports personalities these days.
My kids love you for it, and so do all the rest of us.
I'm glad you are planning on sticking around.
More work to do, you know.
July 24, 2008
4:30 p.m.
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Big_D writes:
Rod will be sorely missed. I think he is one of our best players ever.
July 24, 2008
4:53 p.m.
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mrfxx writes:
Just imagine what the Broncos would be like if we could bottle his work ethic, passion and integrity - and feed it to every player who made the cut each season. Mike and Pat better do their best to get him to take some kind of position with the team SOON.
July 24, 2008
4:59 p.m.
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BroncoDan writes:
Best of Luck, Rod...you're a class act! AND, thanks for all the excitement over the years.
RING OF FAME, RING OF FAME, RING OF FAME!
July 24, 2008
5:20 p.m.
Suggest removal
MarcoPolo writes:
I hope we don't have to miss Rod Smith. I hope we see him on the Broncos sidelines in some fashion very soon.
July 24, 2008
5:28 p.m.
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nmbronco1 writes:
It's a no-brainer that the Broncos will give Rod Smith a job within the organization. The perfect start would be wide receivers coach this year and working his way up from there.
Some of the most fiercely loyal Bronco fans reside here in northern New Mexico just across the CO state line. I'm one of them, and I recall clearly the Rod Smith's first catch - the touchdown against the Redskins in 95. Because FOX features the (hated) Dallas Cowboys here and there was a conflict in scheduling, I listened to that catch on KOA (it reaches here almost 300 miles away from Denver). Rod Smith went on to a great if not flashy career and always exemplified the best personal qualities of an athlete. Like all true Bronco fans, I will miss Rod's sure hands and great catching skills, but I look forward to seeing him in a new role as a teacher and administrative leader with the Broncos.
July 24, 2008
5:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
Milehighguy writes:
Rod Smith was a great one. I hope the Broncos pull him into their organization somewhere. He would be a good recruiter or scout and maybe a receivers coach. His cue card reading ability to sell pizzas needs a lot of work.
July 24, 2008
5:36 p.m.
Suggest removal
chobbes writes:
Man, he will be missed. If he doesn't want to spend the time as a coach, they should start a new position as player development coordinator. Just mentor the players. Thanks Rod. You are a great role model.
July 24, 2008
5:40 p.m.
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Pigskin writes:
Goodbye and good luck to a Broncos great. Thanks for giving it your all, every day.
July 24, 2008
7:02 p.m.
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BroncoFaninLA writes:
Rod once gave my 5 year old son, who was donning a #80 jersey at the time, his sweat band during a practice. My son, now 9, hasn't let that thing ever be washed or leave his room since. It's one of many tributes - physical and otherwise - that this great man and player left this community. Thank you, Rod. I can't think of an athlete I have more respect for - period.
July 24, 2008
7:04 p.m.
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Vector049 writes:
This guy is just too cool. Go, and take your shades and ear rings with you.
July 24, 2008
7:15 p.m.
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b_archy6 writes:
All great posts until Vector had to make a shallow, and uncalled for remark about a true Broncoland legend. Vector please do us all a favor and just shut the f up.
Rod, you will truly be missed by all Bronco fans for your hard work, determination, and selflessness. I look forward to seeing your name on our ring of fame with all the other beloved Bronc's of the past. Good luck in all you do, and we will never forget you big 80!
July 24, 2008
8:06 p.m.
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ColdShot writes:
Rod embodies many qualities rare in pro athletes of this day and age. Good luck!
July 24, 2008
8:40 p.m.
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Mike846 writes:
Rod Smith epitomizes everything good about life and sport, and is a class act, start to finish. I hope he's around our town forever, whether with the Bronco's organization or otherwise. Some of our current players could learn a lot from him, if only they would see the opportunity. The classic TEAM player, and because of that attitude, his individual greatness shone through. Thanks for the memories, Rod, God Bless and God Speed. Mike
July 24, 2008
9:01 p.m.
Suggest removal
John_Galt writes:
WE ALREADY STARTED MISSING HIM IN 2007.
HALL OF FAMER, NO QUESTION!
July 24, 2008
9:03 p.m.
Suggest removal
incognitoboy writes:
rod, it seems almost trite to say things like; 'you're the best', or 'you've meant so much to all us fans', but really and truly, mr. bowlen hit the nail on the head when he said you and john were the best to play for him. that you both played at the same time is a blessing, an occurrence that we fans can only hope will be given an encore thru different players in the future. if the h.o.f. doesn't put you in on the first ballot, they are nothing but a shameful joke.
thanks for all the wonderful memories, and for being the great role model and teammate you've been, and it's great to know you'll be sticking around in WHATEVER capacity.
btw: as soon as i hit that winning lottery ticket, your construction company will be building my new house!
enjoy that yardwork! [[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[rw]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
;-)
July 25, 2008
1:49 a.m.
Suggest removal
daRock writes:
Godspeed, Rod Smith. Your contribution has been imeasurable.
Great players have come and gone, but you are very very special.
Thanks for your class, your work ethic and the pride you have given to the fans.
It will never be forgotten. If I look up humility+hard work+class, your picture is there.
Thank you again and I am glad you want to continue to be a part of this community.
You were an amazing player and continue to be an amazing man.
I am very thankful I have met you.
All of Denver is blessed to have you and your contributions.
You are truly a man to be admired and an honest role model.
July 25, 2008
2:13 a.m.
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gwats writes:
I'm no fan of the Denver Broncos, but I respect many of the players and professionals who have worked for the organization over the years. Rod Smith, with his hard work, dedication and loyalty to his team has my undying respect. Job well done, sir!
July 25, 2008
2:26 a.m.
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gwats writes:
I got a kick out listening to you talk about texting your kids jokes while they were in school. Your interviews on KOA were very good! I hope they chase you down and put you on next season. You are brutally honest.
July 25, 2008
6:56 a.m.
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hdfresh writes:
Rod Smith was one of the best receivers I had the privledge to watch. You can't help but cheer for the guy.
July 25, 2008
8:28 a.m.
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vudumom writes:
He is definately a class act. The reason he stands out as one is there are not many class acts left in the NFL.
I wish only the best for him and his family for the future.
July 25, 2008
9:57 a.m.
Suggest removal
chuckyg writes:
Rod Smith for President.........
Rod Smith you are a legend to all Bronco fans and we can't wait untill your getting into the Hall of Fame.
Your work ethic and dedication to the success of the Broncos is unmatched.
Not just the touch-downs make him great, also the ability to make clutch catches time and time again to keep drives going.
We will miss you Rod
Go Broncos
PS: Vector049: Your a Losser, go back to California
July 25, 2008
10:29 a.m.
Suggest removal
chuckyg writes:
huffdiver: Thanks for the backup
I don’t care too much about out-of-stators moving here and still being fans of where they come from. Let’s face it; we are the mid-west Mecca of transplants, with one of the best state economies of the US. I don’t blame them for wanting to come here and make a better life. But I can’t stand jerks that talk $h#t and make a great players like Rod Smith and John Elway out to be some chump no name of the NFL.
People like that Vector049 make me sick
July 25, 2008
10:48 a.m.
Suggest removal
BroncoRick69 writes:
He will probably still do the pizza ads. As corny as they are.
Rod, obviously you will be greatly missed. Like it has been said many times here and everywhere, your success began with your work ethic and went from there to the field. You were the ultimate "team" player that everyone talks about trying to be. You truly understand the concept of team, Rod and you put it out there everyday whether people were looking or not. You set the example for everyone else, Rod whether you knew it or not and that more than anything else is something that my never be replaced. Thanks for the memories, and good luck in your life after football.
July 25, 2008
11:40 a.m.
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bigbadthor writes:
Rod Smith should be the GM, I am guessing he has an eye for talent, heart, and dedication, something Shanny seems to be lacking lately. Rod is the best, I hope Marshall looks long and hard at the respect Smith has here in Denver and in the NFL, and learns what it takes to be the best. Marshall may have more talent than Smith, but he will never have more heart.
July 25, 2008
12:47 p.m.
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dwood writes:
Rod Smith is a class act. A true professional in every sense of the word. These punks that walk the earth with professional sports jerseys on and get paid millions should make note of how a professional athlete conducts himself. Thanks for everything you gave to the game and to Denver!!
July 25, 2008
3:05 p.m.
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missmilehi writes:
All those other "professional" athletes that are acting like clowns should take a lesson in sportsmanship and classiness from you, Rod...we'll miss watching you play!
July 25, 2008
3:52 p.m.
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tchoupitoulas writes:
I'll start off by saying that I'm not a fan of the Broncos organization, but I am a fan of Rod Smith. This man was a constant reminder that hard work and dedication to yourself will pay off. Best of luck to you, wherever your path in life takes you.
July 26, 2008
1:17 p.m.
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bronxs136 writes:
Its a sad day in Bronco's country. Eventually we all knew that this day would come. What will life be like without Rod Smith. Were about to find out. Rod Smith deserves to go into the HOF. No question about that. Here is a Man that was undrafted and came into the league for little to nothing and proved every Sunday that not only did he belong but that he could play with the great recievers. Rod Smith never got the attention that he rightfully deserved due to the media always looking for the endzone antics or the sideline blowups, and the he said drama in the papers. Smith Should be remembered as a reciever that you could count on to make the little plays as well as the big plays. He'd block like a beast and make the difficult catches look routine. If the QB was in trouble Smith had a nack for being able to make himself open and if the ball was thrown to him he'd make the catch. His work ethic will always be remembered and his strive for excellence will be sorely missed. Its to bad that we don't have 52 Rod Smith's on the Broncos (Lynch fits this category). Rod you deserve more then a Mile High Salute. Thank you from all of the Broncos Fans you made our Sundays great and were sure gonna miss ya.