Roderick "Rod" Smith (born May 15, 1970, in Texarkana, Arkansas) was a American football wide receiver of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 1994 and played his entire 14-year career with the team. He played college football at Missouri Southern State.

Smith is the only undrafted free agent to have ever surpassed the 10,000-receiving-yard plateau. He is ranked 15th in NFL history in career receptions and 16th all time in receiving yards.

[edit] Early years

At Arkansas Senior High School in Texarkana, Arkansas, Smith lettered two years in football and basketball, and one year in baseball. As a senior in football, he was All-League, All-Area, and All-State. Outside of football Rod Smith has three kids (Roderick Smith Jr., Devin Smith, and Vanessa Smith). He is a business entrepreneur as he has expressed in many interviews, some with his kids in them speaking about their father's accomplishments on and off the field.

[edit] College career

Smith enjoyed a stellar career at Missouri Southern State University, finishing with conference records in career receiving yards (3,043) and touchdowns (34). He also broke the school’s reception record (153), and was named first-team All-America by AP, Kodak, Football Gazette and NCAA Division II sports information directors after his senior year. In his final season, Smith caught 63 passes for 986 yards and 13 touchdowns, and was a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy, given annually to the top football player at the Division II level. He was named Missouri Southern’s Outstanding Graduate in 1994 after completing his collegiate studies with three degrees, in economics and finance, general business, as well as marketing and management.^[1]

[edit] Professional career

After the 1994 draft, Smith wasn't drafted. First the New England Patriots signed him but then was released. But soon after his release the Denver Broncos signed him. His first NFL catch was a last-minute 43-yard touchdown from John Elway in a 38-31 win against the Washington Redskins on September 17, 1995. In fourteen seasons as an NFL player, Smith has had eight seasons of at least 1,000 receiving yards. He's had two seasons of at least 100 receptions (2000: 100; 2001: 113). His reception total in 2001 led the league. He was a starting wide receiver of the Broncos' back-to-back Super Bowl championships in 1997 and 1998. In the Broncos' 34-19 win in Super Bowl XXXIII, Smith had 5 receptions for 152 yards (the fourth highest total in Super Bowl history), including an 80-yard touchdown reception. He was a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2004.

A hip injury that he suffered in 2006 required a complete hip replacement. On December 28, 2007 it was revealed that Smith will need another hip surgery, possibly ending his career.^[2]. He was placed on the reserve/retired list on February 15, 2008.

Rod Smith officially announced his retirement from professional football on July 24, 2008 in a press conference from Denver, CO. With two Super Bowl titles, three Pro Bowl appearances, and a controversy-free career noted for professionalism, Smith left the Denver Broncos as one of the most well-loved Broncos players of all time.

[edit] Awards and accomplishments

• First and only undrafted player to reach the milestone of 10,000 receiving yards, and the 24th in history to eclipse that figure.
• Has the most catches (849), receiving yards (11,389) and touchdown receptions (68) of any undrafted wide receiver in NFL history.
• Holds Denver Broncos franchise records in career receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches.
• Ranks first on Denver's all-time yards from scrimmage list.
• Only the sixth player in NFL history to have 100 receptions against at least three teams (Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders).
• AFC Offensive Player of the Week (week 15; 12/17/05 against the Buffalo Bills at Buffalo).
• Associated Press second-team All-Pro (2000, 2001).
• Football Digest first-team All-Pro (2000, 2001).
• USA Today first-team All-Pro (2000).
• College and Pro Newsweekly first-team All-Pro (2000).
• Pro Football Weekly All-AFC (2000, 2001).
• Division II Hall of Fame (Inducted in 2008)
• College Football Hall of Fame (Inducted in 2009)

[edit] Career statistics

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Official Web site
• Denver Broncos bio