We’ve all heard that N.F.L., along with standing for “National Football League,” also has another meaning: “Not For Long.” For so many who are fortunate enough to lace them up in the league, that reality is quickly driven home, as careers last only a season or two, if that.
In a game that is ever changing, there is no room for complacency. Even veterans of the sport are constantly looking over their shoulder, knowing their replacements are always creeping up on them.
Competing at a high level against those who are bigger, faster and stronger is never easy, but, some players thrive on it, including Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr.
At 37 years old, the fiery wideout has made a living out of proving people wrong. His critics have doubted his small stature, his route running, and as the years have passed, his age.
“I snicker and laugh, because it’s always something someone has to say about why,” said Smith about those looking to doubt him in 2016. “You look at that – you try not to but you have those guys that [are in] the Top 100 [NFL Players List]. You have guys on there, and they’re talking about being the best, and they’ve been playing for about 15 minutes in the league.
“I just kind of laugh at it. If your highlight is making the Top 100 on NFL Network one time for a year of success, and I was making plays when you were in kindergarten, then I don’t want your career. You can keep it. You be on TV.”
All eyes will be on Smith this season. 2015 was expected to be his final season, but he postponed his retirement after his year was cut short, thanks to tearing his Achilles tendon in Week 8. Smith, 10th on the all-time receiving yards chart (13,932) and 15th on the NFL’s all-time receptions list (961), certainly wasn’t going to end his career on a negative note.
So why is he back?
“Honestly, because one, I’m under contract,” bellowed Smith Sr. “I have an opportunity to finish out a contract…I signed three years ago.
“How I feel and what I was feeling is a process. I don’t think it’s fair to say…A lot of people thought [they] knew, but ultimately it was up to me and my family. I tried to make the best decision; I thought was good. It always helps to go back somewhere where you’re wanted or you have an opportunity to continue. I had that. It was very simple.”
His most important reason for returning to the game for his 15th NFL season?
“One thousand receptions,” responded Smith. “That’s why, to be honest. Why not? You have to have something to strive for. I may catch that – I think it’s 36 [receptions remaining] – I may catch that in my uniform, get in my car and go home. Straight from there, drive all the way from M&T Bank [Stadium] straight to Charlotte, one shot.
“You want to challenge yourself. It’s the ultimate challenge. I think the last challenge that I really have is to be 37 years old, have an opportunity to play in the black and blue division [AFC North] – very tough, very physical – and I get an opportunity to experience it for hopefully more than 17 weeks.”
Smith will have plenty of opportunities to achieve that goal this season as a valued part of the Ravens wide receiver corps, even with the addition of Mike Wallace and the expected return of 2015 first-round draft pick Breshad Perriman.
Don’t expect Smith Sr. to see much action throughout training camp and the preseason, as he nor the team has much to gain by trotting him out for extended reps. Smith is a professional and understands the importance of being season-ready.
After all, he knows his critics will jump on him if he isn’t.
“We’ll find out,” said a serious Smith Sr. to those wondering if he can still perform at the same level. “The words that people say and the questions…I understand that you have to do it.
“That’s the one thing that I love about sports, is there are people who can play sports and there are people who can write about sports. If you write a good article, you are a person that can write about sports, [but] you’re not a person that can do sports. There’s nothing wrong with that. Everyone has a role.
“I’m fortunate enough that I can play. I’m happy to do that, and I enjoy doing it, and I try very hard to respect the people that write about sports.”
While we will have to wait until September to see just how much he has left in the tank, I wouldn’t bet against the boastful wideout.. And hopefully I’ll get to spend another season writing about how Smith continues to defy his critics as well as Father Time.
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