Fansided

5 all-time great NFL players that need to retire after 2015

By John Buhler

Nov 15, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) walks off the field after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Chiefs won 29-13. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) walks off the field after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Chiefs won 29-13. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Nov 1, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith, Sr. (89) is injured while being tackled by San Diego Chargers cornerback Jason Verrett (22) in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith, Sr. (89) is injured while being tackled by San Diego Chargers cornerback Jason Verrett (22) in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Steve Smith, Sr.: Baltimore Ravens Wide Receiver

Steve Smith, Sr was not happy when Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson let him go after the 2013 NFL season. Smith is the Panthers’ all-time leading receiver with 12,197 receiving yards on 836 receptions for 67 touchdowns. He is a five-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro wideout for the Panthers.

Smith signed with the Baltimore Ravens in 2014 and had over 1,000 receiving yards as a 35-year-old, his first season with the Ravens. He was on pace to have another fantastic year in 2015, before tearing his Achilles’ Tendon during Week 8’s game versus the San Diego Chargers.

Smith would enter 2016 at 37 years old coming off an Achilles tear playing for one of the worst teams in football in the Ravens. Quarterback Joe Flacco may be able to get him the ball on deep routes, but the Ravens aren’t a deep enough of a team to contend for a Super Bowl anytime soon. Smith may end up not getting his chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy after all.

He could bounce back and play well for the Ravens in 2016, but a major injury like an Achilles’ tear would certainly slow down even the quickest of feet. Since Baltimore may look to upgrade at receiver anyway, Smith may have played his last snap for the Ravens on November 1st. It’s almost a shame he isn’t in Charlotte in 2015 as his longtime employer in the Panthers are 14-0 and are looking like a Super Bowl favorite with every passing week.

Next: 2. Peyton Manning

Home/Baltimore Ravens