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NFL: Selecting the best player in each franchise’s history

By Brad Rowland

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) warms up prior to a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) warms up prior to a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) on the field prior to the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) on the field prior to the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Panthers – Steve Smith

Carolina’s “award” is basically a two-man race, and I’ll take the longevity of Steve Smith over the shorter dominance of Julius Peppers.

Peppers was arguably the best defensive player in the league during his peak with the Panthers, but Smith was the heart and soul of Carolina’s roster for 13 seasons. He is easily the career leader in every receiving category for the Panthers, including yards (12,197), receptions (836) and touchdowns (67). It is easy to forget now, but Smith was also a dominant return man earlier in his career, leading to the fact that he is the active leader in all-purpose yardage (17,679) among all NFL players.

It is fair to say that Smith’s peak wasn’t nearly as high as some other players with similar career numbers, but the dynamic wideout was still a two-time All-Pro selection (2001, 2005). Beyond that, he did his damage without the benefit of a single elite quarterback during his time with the franchise, as Jake Delhomme was under center for his prime and a young Cam Newton did not arrive until Smith was on the downside of his stay in Charlotte.

Steve Smith has a reputation for his brash attitude on the field, but he was (and is) a player that anyone would like to play with as a high-end competitor, and the longevity and talent he displayed zooms him to the top of Carolina’s list.

Next: Chicago Bears

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