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Smith's farewell to Broncos on hold

By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published June 4, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.

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Poll

Should Rod Smith retire?


Rod Smith had at least 70 receptions in nine consecutive seasons.

Photo by Jack Dempsey / Associated Press/2007

Rod Smith had at least 70 receptions in nine consecutive seasons.

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While it's highly unlikely Rod Smith would play professional football again, he still is not ready to make his retirement official.

"When it's time to close that door, I'll close that door," Smith, who has undergone two hip surgeries, said Tuesday. "Right now, it's just a matter of a few more things I kind of have to get set, and most of those are probably mental as far as not being on the football field.

"But I'm OK with it either way."

Smith, whom the Broncos have designated as reserve/retired - he is not on their roster, but the Broncos retain his rights if he returned - stopped by the team's practice, visiting with several people on the sideline and working after practice with several young receivers, including Eddie Royal.

Smith stayed around the team through the 2007 season, attending practices and meetings, though he never played a down because of his injury.

Broncos coach Mike Shanahan and owner Pat Bowlen have said they would like to find a role in the organization for Smith if he wants one.

But Smith has said he has little interest in coaching full time.

Smith leads all undrafted players in NFL history in every major receiving category and had nine consecutive seasons with at least 70 catches.

"I love just coming out here," Smith said after the workout. "I thought they were done and I get out here and they were just starting. That's why I came out here. I guess I didn't get the fax of the schedule."

Comments

  • June 4, 2008

    8:38 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    DavusX writes:

    Good luck with everything, Rod. You've earned the respect of true football fans everywhere. When all is said and done, I hope you choose to stick around, even if that means it's in an off-the-field capacity. Maybe some of your work ethic will rub off on the young'ns.

    dx

  • June 4, 2008

    9:17 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    kmeissner writes:

    Rod Smith was and is a class act. I agree with DavusX, hopefully he'll accept a job in the organization. His hard work and work ethic might rub off on our younger players. He was always my favorite and it's going to be a sad day in COlorado when he retires. Thanks for all the memories, Rod!

  • June 4, 2008

    9:38 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Coltgm writes:

    Thanks for everything Rod. We all face Father Time and there is no escape. Football is in your blood and we still need you. I think you would be the a great receivers coach. You have exactly what our young players need, integrity, positive work ethics, and CLASS. Think again, your best days are still ahead of you. You helped us win two Superbowls and a ton of games. Help us get back there again as a Coach. We need you!

  • June 4, 2008

    10:02 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    BroncoRick69 writes:

    Rod, I hated you in the beginning of your career because you seemed to drop a lot of balls. You certainly developed in to one of the best receivers Denver has ever had. I wish you nothing but good luck in your life after football. You and McCaffrey were a great tandem.

  • June 4, 2008

    11:11 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    MattSmith writes:

    Rod Smith is one of the greatest Broncos players in the history of the franchise. His amazing statistics only tell half the story, though. He made an even bigger contribution by being a great teammate, working hard year round, taking nothing for granted, being a positive influence in the locker room, being respectul of the media, and being a great representative of the city and the team. I will sure miss seeing #80 out on the field. Bowlen should consider waiving the usual waiting period for inducting him into the Ring of Fame, like he did for Elway. Like Elway, Rod's contributions to the team and the NFL were extraordinary given that he was an undrafted free agent.

  • June 4, 2008

    11:26 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    cmcray1 writes:

    the Smith retirement poll is stupid. It should have a third choice--"whenever he wants to".

  • June 4, 2008

    12:29 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    denmex writes:

    just 3 words for u rod, HALL OF FAME.
    thank u.

  • June 4, 2008

    12:48 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    MarcoPolo writes:

    How about head coach?

  • June 4, 2008

    1:40 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    HE5t writes:

    Hall of Fame? yeah right

  • June 4, 2008

    10:18 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    denmex writes:

    the numbers plus the rings plus the worck ethic = hall of fame.
    he is not going to be there in 5 yrs but trust me dude he will be in canton. and we can bet on that.

  • June 5, 2008

    7:41 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Orange_Crush18 writes:

    Although I wish he would be placed in the Hall of Fame, it won't happen. Broncos players get screwed time and again. Rod was great, but it won't be recognized in Canton.

  • June 5, 2008

    8:23 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    NJBroncosFan writes:

    Rod Smith will always be my favorite player to ever suit up in the Blue and Orange, it is truly a shame he will soon retire. I feel he deserves to be in the HOF, definatly goes down as one of the BEST wideouts to ever play the game.

  • June 5, 2008

    8:25 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    NJBroncosFan writes:

    Orange_Crush18.... completely agree with you, come on look at Floyd Little for an example!

  • June 5, 2008

    9:25 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    R8R_H8R writes:

    Rod Smith will not make the H.O.F. They've had this debate dozens of times on sports radio and t.v., comparing his stats to those who are in, and those who are not. Rod Smith has been steady for years, but was never THE Premier Receiver in the League. He's been a Great Bronco, but not one of THE Greatest Receivers. Interviewed on the news yesterday, he would not rule out playing, and he said he was open to coaching, unlike what this article says. Rod Smith has been a part of the greatest Broncos memories. However, the last time he was on the field, it was clear he did not have the speed to get any kind of seperation. I hate to see him linger and go out like this. I wish Rod would've retired a year ago and put an end to this.
    Also, I dont spend any time thinking about the Hall of Fame, because it is a Load of Crap. It's a popularity contest. Media guys who have been a part of it, talk in disgust about back room deals being made to get "their guy" in. It's a ridiculous crock of shi'ite, MUCH LIKE the absurd entries in the 'Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame'. Who ever is deciding those entries, also, must be completely brain dead and comatose.

  • June 5, 2008

    10:25 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    jacka writes:

    Smith has rings and worked his tail off be successful.

    RING OF FAME ASAP

  • June 5, 2008

    11:20 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    denmex writes:

    ok one example 4 does how dont belive in th hof 4 rod.
    the las greate reciver of our era to make the hof was michael irvin. well rod has more grabs, has the same yrds and has more tds.
    im telling u guys he is not going too be there in 5 yrs but he will make it, a lot of does champions on 97 and 98 will get to the hof not imidiatly because they r not popular but they will get it, so my friends start saving because we will be traveling to canton a lot.
    go broncos.

  • June 5, 2008

    2:49 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Orange_Crush18 writes:

    Denmex,

    I like your optimism. Only time will tell. Like I posted earlier, I've seen a lot of broncos get screwed. We are one of the most successful teams in the history of the game and we only have 2 guys in. To put it in perspective Chicago has like 23 guys in or something like that. Just plain sad. Like NJ said, Little should be in. I also could not believe they passed on Gradishar last year, I believe that was the last chance he had. That one cut deep.