Fansided

Steve Smith buys full-page ad saying he’ll always be a Panther

By Josh Sanchez

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Jan 12, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) walks on to the field prior to the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) walks on to the field prior to the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Longtime Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith was recently released from the team and signed with the Baltimore Ravens, but he made a great gesture for the fans who have supported him during his 13 years in Charlotte.

Bill Voth of SportsXchange shared a full-page ad in Saturday’s edition of the Charlotte Observer that Smith and his family put together thanking his fans and former teammates.

“I will always consider myself a Carolina Panther,” he wrote, “and I look forward to the day when I get to come home to celebrate my career, and retire in the city I’ve grown to love and appreciate very much.”

Smith added that he was he was “so humbled and blessed by the love you all have shown in so many ways.”

It is a classy move from Smith and just another example of why the Panthers fans loved him and were sad to see him go.

You can view the ad below:

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