Steve Smith Sr. is excited that the Carolina Panthers are on their way to Super Bowl 50.
The Baltimore Ravens receiver played in Carolina for 13 years before being released in the spring of 2013, but his heart remains with his former team.
The Panthers drafted Smith Sr. in the third round (No. 74 overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft. He was known to have game-breaking abilities but wasn’t considered big enough to make an impact as a top receiver, hence his mid-round status.
After making his bones as one of the NFL’s top return men his first two seasons (five return touchdowns), he quickly became one of the league’s most feared receivers. He always with a huge chip on his shoulder for not being recognized as such coming out of college.
A player who ran a bit too hot at times and got in trouble because of it, Smith Sr. has come a long way from his youthful indiscretions. While you know he wishes he could have been a part of the special team that has blossomed this season, it’s clear he isn’t bitter.