Steve Smith, Ravens wide receiver, to retire after this season

However, he wouldn’t let that stop him from impacting games.

Smith has not gotten a lot of the credit that he’s deserved over his career as one of the best to play the position. It was one he wouldn’t relinquish.

The 36-year-old was selected in the third round of the 2001 Draft by the Carolina Panthers and he played 13 seasons with the club, earning two All-Pro berths. This is exactly what Steve Smith Sr.is doing. And though he is going out in his own terms, his leaving the sport on the top of his game.

And who could fault a guy for being frustrated when he’s catching passes from Rodney Peete all season? He caught for 1,065 yards and 79 receptions, per ESPN.

About the only thing missing from Smith’s résumé is a Super Bowl ring.

When asked if Smith deserved to have his No. 89 Panthers jersey officially retired (no current member wears it), Kalil added he was in “that conversation” as well. Now, it’s his turn to act as spectator.

Still, there is no doubting his talent and tenacity.

Ravens fans will miss Steve Smith, but he should be remembered as yet another player that knew how to “play like a Raven”. Hey, it may take a couple of guys to replicate what Smith has brought to Baltimore.

Numbers. Longevity. Durability. Upped his game in the playoffs. Only Jerry Rice, Tim Brown and Jimmy Smith have more. His career total hit 13,262 yards with 73 touchdowns. He also notched a score in the Ravens’ gut-wrenching loss to the eventual champion Patriots.

Head Coach John Harbaugh and his staff knew that this decision was likely coming soon. In 11 career January games he compiled 59 catches for 1001 yards and nine touchdowns.

Which brings us to our final question – is Steve Smith a Hall of Famer?

– Jackson pulled off an end-zone interception when he slid behind wide receiver Jeremy Butler’s end-zone corner route. The two snubs have been Harrison and Isaac Bruce, and it might be a matter of time before they get in.

As with any receiver, it’s important to keep context in mind.

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Chiefs wide receiver Jeremy Maclin was held out of practice Monday after straining his neck the previous day, putting his availability for their preseason opener in question.

Now that his departure is scheduled, who is next man up as the pit bull? Fortunately, the weather – and Bears defense – was no match for Steve Smith.