Rod Smith – Tributes Around the Web

Quoting the most meaningful portions of the many tributes Rod Smith has received from the mainstream media and blogosphere in the past 24 hours, stemming from the news that he will announce his official retirement today…

Denver Post –

“Smith, who’ll make his retirement official this afternoon during a Dove Valley news conference, caught more passes for more yards and more touchdowns than any receiver in Broncos history. But he never danced. Not once. Not ever. It wasn’t him. It wasn’t who he was, how he played, what he stood for.”

Boulder Daily Camera –

“But Smith’s character surpasses even the numbers. Those are the qualities that make him a special man — not just a special player — especially when held up against the blockheads that seem to be so prevalent in today’s world of professional sports.”

Broncos Denver Broncos –

“The man was a throw back, he was Lynn Swann, Steve Largent, he was Jerry Rice to the fans of a new Bronco generation. He was my Paul Warfield– a warrior poet, a leader who took the reigns when John Elway retired and posted his best numbers despite not having a consistent quarterback. Brian Griese can thank Rod Smith for his career, as can most of the 96-98 Broncos for their Super Bowl rings.”

Rocky Mountain News –

“His popularity with fans and teammates during 14 years in Denver was best summed up by Broncos safety John Lynch, who said, ‘If Rod was a politician, he’d get the red states and the blue states.'”

Thin Air –

“Regardless of whether or not Smith contributes to the Broncos in the future, there is no doubt that he will be honored for his past.  He will be a lock for induction in the Broncos’ Ring of Fame five years from now.  Furthermore, I think a very solid argument for enshrinement in Canton could be made.”

Denver Post (Mike Kizla) –

“If quarterback John Elway was the legendary heart and soul of the team’s Super Bowl years, then Smith was the hard-earned dirt under the fingernails.”

Denver Broncos Experience –

“Smith will hang them up as Denver’s leading receiver of all time after 13 memorable and amazing seasons. He is easily one of the greatest undrafted players to play the game and certainly at his position.”

Bronco Madness –

“I Can’t Even Write This Article Myself. My day is destroyed after I read this article. Rod Smith has officially retired. I am so sad about this sad news and the loss of such a great player.”