Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. said he was 89 percent sure he was going to retire after his final game in 2016. This letter he wrote to Commissioner Roger Goodell pretty much solidifies the veteran’s plans to hang up his cleats for good.
Despite all this, the Ravens are still holding onto a thread of hope that Smith will play again in 2017, with owner Steve Bisciotti saying he still holds out hope that the receiver will walk into Ravens team facilities next September.
Biscotti – says he's still hoping Steve Smith will walk into Ravens facility in September. Says he knows August is out of the question
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 10, 2017
It would seem the Ravens’ brass wants Smith to give it a go for one more season. Although, a return by Smith doesn’t seem likely. Smith Sr. ended his season on a high note after he returned from an injury year in 2015. It was the injury that prompted Smith Sr. to play one more year and end his career on his terms.
Unfortunately, the Ravens failed to make it to the postseason for the second time since Smith joined the team. Over an illustrious 16-year NFL career, Smith tallied 1,031 catches for a grand total of 14,731 yards and 81 touchdowns.
Crossing the 1,000-reception mark was quite the milestone in itself. He will retire as a five-time Pro-Bowler and two-time All-Pro.
Thankfully no matter what happens next, the football world has not seen the last of Steve Smith Sr., given how much he loves to share his opinions. If he wants a job as an NFL commentator, several networks would surely reach out, and he’s already shown himself capable of creating a bit of controversy comparing Tom Brady to Aaron Rodgers in an appearance on ESPN.