There’s a GIF of someone eating popcorn readily available all throughout the Internet. We envision that’s pretty much what every NFL fan and analyst is doing upon hearing this news.
According to multiple media reports, former NFL wide receiver Steve Smith is joining the NFL Network as an analyst. The reports themselves have since been confirmed by both Smith and the league.
Former Panther and Raven Steve Smith Sr. will join NFL Network as an analyst, league and Smith confirm.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) February 2, 2017
Smith, one of the most-productive receivers of the modern era, was also a lightning rod through a 16-year NFL career that concluded following the Baltimore Ravens’ 2016 season.
A four-time Pro Bowler, Smith’s willingness to call out other players on a consistent basis is what has set him apart from other receivers of his ilk. Anyone from Tony Romo and Greg Hardy to Josh Norman has been on the receiving end of his zings. Heck, Smith once called himself a dirt bag.
It’s this type of personality that will make for some fireworks on the NFL Network. And in reality, the powers to be surely know this.
Smith retired from the NFL having recorded 1,031 receptions for 14,731 yards in what will likely end up as a Hall of Fame career. Let’s just hope his media career is just as awesome.