Steve Smith Sr. bringing passion to newest football chapter
CHARLOTTE (BVM) – It’s not difficult to find what Steve Smith Sr. is up to following the end of his NFL playing career. The former Panthers great has continued to share his knowledge of the game to viewers and current players as he embarks on his most recent chapter. Smith’s fiery passion that once captured the attention of opposing defenses, can now be seen throughout the broadcasts of the NFL season.
Steve Smith Sr.’s 41st birthday is a good day to remind everyone: Ice up, son. pic.twitter.com/0mPvPWgEJU
— NFL Legacy (@NFLLegacy) May 12, 2020
Steve Smith’s early life and college career
Smith’s route to the collegiate level was anything but typical. The 5-foot-9 wideout wouldn’t have the same offers as his high school contemporaries after questions arose surrounding his size and temperament. Smith would end up attending Santa Monica College where he would team up opposite of NFL great, Chad Johnson, during his time at the community college. The two would end up making it a short stint, as both garnered attention from Division I coaches for their play.
The speedy wide receiver would find himself at the University of Utah for his final two seasons, shattering the program’s record for yards per catch (20.6). After a down year during his junior campaign, Smith would help lead the Utes to an 8-4 record in 2001. The positive momentum for the senior wideout would continue into the NFL draft season as he captured the attention of scouts with his MVP-winning East-West Shrine Bowl performance.
Steve Smith’s NFL career
The Utah wideout would go on to be selected in the third round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers.
After Carolina’s inception in 1995, the Panthers headed into the 2001 season looking for someone to become the face of the franchise. Smith’s rookie season wouldn’t quite lead to those future expectations after the incoming wide receiver spent the majority of his time on special teams. With just 10 receptions throughout the campaign, Smith and the Panthers wouldn’t find the success they had hoped for, recording a 1-15 record throughout the season. He would, however, land on the All-Pro list during his rookie year as a kick returner.
His ascension would continue into the 2002 season, where Smith would find his playing time back on offense becoming the team’s leading wide receiver. The following year Smith would top the 1,000-yard receiving mark while his team enjoyed its best season to date. Behind his efforts, the Panthers went 11-5 through the regular season as Smith dominated throughout the 2003 playoffs. In the team’s wild card and division matchups, the 5-foot-9 wideout erupted for 135 receiving yards against the Dallas Cowboys and 163 yards against the St. Louis Rams.
As the team made its first Super Bowl appearance, Smith and Muhsin Muhammad would do all they could in the passing game against the New England Patriots, combining for 220 yards and two touchdowns.
Even with the 32-29 Super Bowl loss, Smith entered the 2004 season with his play trending upwards. Unfortunately for him, he would miss nearly the entirety of the year after breaking his leg in the team’s Week 1 matchup against Green Bay. The season off would lead into a career year for the All-Pro wideout who racked up 1,563 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in 2005. The season helped Smith earn the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year award and his first All-Pro selection on offense.
Smith would contribute five more 1,000-yard receiving seasons during his eight remaining years with the Panthers. Leaving as the organization’s all-time leader in all of the major receiving marks, Smith would wrap up his Panthers’ career with an iconic postgame interview, telling All-Pro cornerback Aqib Talib to “Ice up, son.”
November 18, 2013: #Panthers WR Steve Smith and #Patriots CB Aqib Talib battled throughout the game w/ very physical play before and after the whistle. Carolina won after Talib left early w/ an injury leading to the all-time sound bite from Smith, "Ice up son, ice up" pic.twitter.com/opREZ5vvDz
— Best of Pro Sports (@pro_sports_best) November 19, 2021
The 2013 season would be the last for Smith in a Carolina uniform after the team decided to release the long-time Panther. After 13 seasons, the former All-Pro wideout would land in Baltimore, quickly enacting his revenge against his former team when he posted 139 yards and two touchdowns in the Ravens’ matchup against his former team. Smith would play into his late 30s, retiring after the 2016 season.
He currently ranks 12th all-time in receptions with 1,031, seventh in receiving yards with 14,731, and 17th in touchdowns with 81.
Steve Smith’s post-playing career, net worth and personal life
The Panthers’ great has continued to be around the game of football following his retirement and can be seen on a variety of different NFL Network programs throughout the NFL season. He also hosts his “Cut To It” podcast where he talks with current and former players. When he does get a chance to break away from it, Smith has stayed busy with his four children.
During his time in the league, Smith accrued over $81 million and currently has an estimated net worth of $25 million.
Steve Smith waiting on Hall of Fame
The three-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler was a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022 and should have a solid case heading forward. Even after missing out in his first year, Smith has quite the resume for voters to look at. As one of the top wide receivers of his decade, it could be a matter of time before he heads to Canton.
