Steve Smith Sr. is ready to take the field in what will likely be his last year in the NFL.
The fiery veteran has accomplished the difficult feat of standing among the best to ever play the game at the wide receiver position. His work ethic and passion for the game exemplifies what football is all about. He’s truly a throwback to yesteryear when football stood for toughness.
The wideout could have hung it up this offseason after suffering a torn Achilles in 2015, but that wasn’t his style. There was no way he was going to go out like that. Instead, he opted to battle through the rehab process and fight his way back in order to avoid what he considered letting his teammates down.
During Wednesday’s podium session, Smith Sr. was asked whether it will be a challenge to get everyone involved in the offense this season given the team’s added weapons. His response spoke volumes to those wondering if his return was just to further cement his place in the record books, and eventually Canton, Ohio.
“You can never have too many playmakers,” said a serious Smitty. “I think sometimes people question if there are enough touches for everybody to go around. If you have a stellar running game and a stellar passing game, all that does is create more tension and stress for the defense.”
In simpler terms, it’s a good problem to have if both the pass and run game are clicking.
“You want to have as many playmakers, because that means teams are going to have to blitz and have to play one-on-one,” added the five-time Pro-Bowler. “Some people may say, ‘I don’t want competition.’ Competition is where you thrive. Competition is where you see guys can really step up. Anybody can be a one-trick-pony or the main guy. But when you have other guys right there who, ‘This guy can run a better route than this guy,’ you start to have packages where you know there are so many plays that are just mine.”
Throughout training camp the offensive packages were unfolding daily. Different players on the field, different routes dialed up by offensive coordinator Marc Trestman during every 11-on-11 team drill. Smith Sr., one who has never said no to getting the ball, is elated when his number isn’t called for one simple reason:
“Then, you know you are going to get your plays, but you are also ecstatic to be able to clear it out and open it up for other guys. I go down and run a route to open it up for Mike [Wallace], and Mike catches it, then I’m on the hunt,” said Smith Sr. “I get to peel back on somebody and knock the [shit] out of them. That is what I am excited about, so I can play my role for Mike, and Mike can play his role. Anyone can catch the ball, but can you be a team player to clear it out and understand the integrity of the play and what you are supposed to be doing for the other guy? That is the ultimate team player right there. That is the guy that you consistently want to play with and play for, where it goes back to being dependable.
“If I am supposed to run a slant to clear it out, and I know I’m not getting it, and my enthusiasm is not to run that route, then you can’t be here. Then, you can’t expect a guy to do that for you. You just have to create a good culture and a good work ethic.”
Rarely do you hear such refreshing words from players at the podium. Usually it’s just bland answers to the bland questions being asked after long days of practice. Smith’s honesty, integrity and team-first mentality is a lost trait in a sport – and position – of “Me” guys.
No matter what happens for Smitty this season, his legacy, his mantra will be a presence in the Ravens wide receiver room for a long, long time.
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