Despite initially declaring 2015 as his final season, Baltimore Ravens receiver Steve Smith may return in 2016 after suffering an Achilles tear
Injuries have always been a part of sports, but this past weekend it seemed the NFL had more than its fair share. Included in the barrage of bad luck was Baltimore Ravens receiver Steve Smith, who suffered a torn Achilles during his teams 29-26 win over the San Diego Chargers.
It looked like a sad end to a great career as Smith said in August, just before the start of this season that 2015 would be his final season in the NFL.
"“I think it’s always easier when you know you have a finish line,” Smith said. “You get to let things loose … it’s just, man, whatever happens, let the chips fall where they may.”"
Hanging it up after 13 years would have signaled the end of a remarkable career for the undersized receiver. At just 5’9″ the Utah product was selected in the third round of the 2001 draft by the Carolina Panthers and broke out his third season when he recorded 1,110 yards and seven touchdowns on 88 receptions.
Following a stellar career in Carolina, Smith was dealt to the Ravens in 2014 where he showed he still had plenty of gas left in the tank. After posting 79 receptions with 1,065 yards and six scores Smith decided he had one more year left in him as he said he found the perfect place to wind up his career.
However, rumors have made the rounds lately that Smith was debating on whether or not to continue with his plans to retire as the team has not performed as well as he would have liked.
Peter King of Sports Illustrated has chimed in on these rumors, via his Monday Morning Quarterback piece. King believes Smith is not done and will return after the season ending injury he suffered.
"Steve Smith, 36, is not finished either. I mean, I’m hearing he’s really not finished. He had announced his retirement effective at the end of this season, but was already talking about surgery and rehab for the Achilles he shredded against San Diego on Sunday. He could give the Ravens one more season in 2016."
The 36-year old receiver has still been extremely effective as he has hauled in 46 receptions for 670 yards in just seven games this season. Smith felt his team could contend for a title, so it would make sense that after tough year and season ending injury Smith could reconsider calling it a career.
If Smith does decide this is it, he will finish with the 15th most career receptions with 961, 10th most yards receiving with 13,932 yards and 28th most receiving touchdowns with 76.