It Could Be The End For Rod Smith

by John Bena on Dec 28, 2007 3:02 PM MST in Strictly My Opinion

Rod Smith may have played his last game in the NFL. We all feared this when the Broncos All-Time leading receiver underwent what amounted to a hip-replacement last off-season, even when the best undrafted free agent to ever play the position made attempt after attempt to come back. Smith never was able to get on the field in 2007, and now it appears 2008 and beyond are in serious jeopardy as well.

It is being reported that Smith needs to undergo another procedure on the troublesome hip, with Smith actually saying the pain in his hip was worse today than before the initial surgery --

Rod Smith needs another operation on his surgically repaired left hip, and his NFL career could be over.

The Denver Broncos co-captain revealed Friday he needs another surgery. There's a strong possibility he'll require an artificial hip replacement, which almost certainly would end his 13-year NFL career.

"It's hard. Because, honestly, it could be the end of my career. It could be my last game as a professional athlete. My last game with the Denver Broncos could be this Sunday," said Smith, who has been out all season. "That in itself is really emotional, but at the same time I'm blessed to be here this long."

Smith had been getting treatment at the Steadman Hawkins Clinic in Vail, Colo., where he had a microfracture hip operation in February. He recently saw a specialist in Los Angeles, and surgery was scheduled there for next month.

Undrafted after a standout career at Missouri Southern, Smith made the team in 1995 after a season on the practice squad, embarking on a journey that included three trips to the Pro Bowl and two Super Bowl rings.

"I have a lot of memories, but the thing is not over, our season is not over," Smith said. "So I'm trying to respect everybody that's out there and make sure I don't take anything away from them. That's what I've been real hesitant to speak to anybody about it, because honestly I'm at the point where I still don't know exactly what's going on.

"I just know my leg still hurts," he said. "It's worse now than it was last year. It's worse now than it was before I actually had surgery. So I'm not comfortable. I have to get to a point where I'm comfortable."

I have been saying it all year. As hard as it was to admit, playing wide receiver in the National Football League is hard enough when completely healthy, especially at 37. Playing on one leg is impossible. I once again with #80 the best and hope he finds peace with whatever decision he finally makes.

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Rod...

Please get well and retire. You have nothing else to prove to anyone. Enjoy not having to get smashed on Sundays and check out the shine of your Super Bowl rings. If you want to coach the current WR's and become a mentor, the Broncos would be stupid not to take you in. Good luck and happy trails #80!

Hearts were broken in Chicago...Balls taken in Oakland...Coffins nailed in Houston...Belch!

by mdierk on Dec 28, 2007 3:12 PM MST reply actions

sniff

What a swell guy...

by Jeremy Bolander on Dec 28, 2007 6:23 PM MST reply actions

Best to Smith

I thought there was no way Smith returned even before the PUP list. The PUP list kind of confirmed it. With news of the need for another surgery it is just overkill.

Smith has been a class act, a great receiver, and has been a source of inspiration for his team and fans alike.

He should (and will) hang it up and enjoy the good life that he has earned for himself. We all appreciate what he has done for the team, and mdierk puts it best. He has nothing left to prove. He's done it all.

A grateful fanbase salutes Smith and wishes him the best.

"Greater is an army of sheep led by a lion, than an army of lions led by a sheep" Defoe

by Steve Nichols on Dec 28, 2007 7:56 PM MST reply actions

In Rod We Trust

I will continue to wear my #80 jersey with pride...

by tunga77 on Dec 29, 2007 12:30 AM MST reply actions

Rod Smith =

Warrior.

I will miss Rod, he is what the NFL should be about. A guy off the practice squad from a small school who went on to be a Pro-Bowl player. He did not have great speed, but he got seperation when he needed. The man did everything they asked of him, catch, run, return kicks and he was the in case of fire break glass QB. If he wasn't the only guy who they could have depended on to catch the ball, I think he would have been a better choice than Danny Kennel.

I know many will think about what Rod's most memorable Bronco moment was. There is his NFL first reception to beat the Skins as the clock expired. His performance in SB XXXIII, or his 100 catch seasons. The list goes on. For me it will be his TD to put the Bronocs up for good in their Monday night in 1996 against the Raiders.

Sorry Rick Upchurch, but 80 should be retired in the name of the man from Missouri Southern.

Go Bronocs

by Boski93 on Dec 29, 2007 7:12 PM MST reply actions

I gotta go with the skins game

I just have to, I can feel it in my heart.

But I hope everyone else has lots of different favorites, because I would love to see just how long the list would get for such a great player.

by Jeremy Bolander on Dec 29, 2007 9:41 PM MST up reply actions

Rod's worst conribution was also his best..

he spoiled us. He caught every ball that was thrown near him, blocked like a demon, was "the man" in clutch time and was the consumate leader of the team. He set the bar so high in every aspect of being a professional that we are just not used to the performances of good but normal NFL players that don't dominate in all of those areas.

by Arctic Bronco on Jan 2, 2008 9:36 PM MST reply actions