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Carolina Panthers all-time Mount Rushmore

By Russell S. Baxter

CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 12: Steve Smith #89 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball after a catch in the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Bank of America Stadium on January 12, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - JANUARY 12: Steve Smith #89 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball after a catch in the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Bank of America Stadium on January 12, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 22: Wide receiver Steve Smith #89 of the Carolina Panthers carries the ball and breaks away from cornerback Prince Amukamara #20 of the New York Giants during a NFL game at Bank of America Stadium on September 22, 2013 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 22: Wide receiver Steve Smith #89 of the Carolina Panthers carries the ball and breaks away from cornerback Prince Amukamara #20 of the New York Giants during a NFL game at Bank of America Stadium on September 22, 2013 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Getty Images) /

Carolina Panthers Mount Rushmore: WR Steve Smith Sr.

It’s not going out on a limb to suggest that this third-round pick in 2001 from the University of Utah is the best offensive player in the history of the franchise. But wide receiver as well as kick returner Steve Smith Sr. certainly has the credentials to make that claim.

This career would eventually end with three-year stint with the Baltimore Ravens. But during his time with the Carolina Panthers, he was an explosive playmaker in every facet. And he made his mark on more than one occasion when the team reached the playoffs.

During his first three seasons in the league, Smith returned four punts and two kickoff for touchdowns. In 2003, he finished with the first of his seven 1,000-yard receiving campaigns with the Panthers. That year in four postseason games, he finished with 18 catches for a blistering 404 yards and three scores. He played in nine playoff contests with the franchise and reached the end zone at least once in seven of those outings.

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Smith is the Carolina Panthers’ all-time leader in catches (836), receiving yards (12,197) and total touchdowns (75). His five Pro Bowl invitations and two All-Pro honors all came during his 13-year stay with the team that made him the 74th-overall pick in 2001.

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