Smith has 12,287 yards, 67 TDs with Jags Associated Press
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jimmy Smith cleared his throat, finished his sentence and then bowed his head and started to cry.
One of the most prolific receivers in NFL history, Smith found himself in another rough spot Thursday. But just as he has done so many times before in his career, he regrouped and moved on without hesitation.
No wonder he earned the nickname J-Smooth.
Smith, a five-time Pro Bowl selection who overcame several health problems and drug addiction during his 12 seasons, abruptly retired Thursday to "move on to the next phase of my life."
"It's hard because I know I can still go out there and do it," Smith said. "I just figure it's not in my heart to [continue]. If I'm going to play, it's got to be 100 percent. I won't get out there and not give it my all. If I can't give it my all to this organization and the fans, I'm just not going to do that. This is just not the type of person that I am.
"It's best for me to leave on a high note. I want to be able to enjoy my legacy."
The 37-year-old receiver led the Jags with 70 catches for 1,023 yards and six touchdowns last season. He ranks seventh in NFL history with 862 receptions and 11th with 12,287 yards receiving. He has more receptions than every receiver in the Hall of Fame, and only Marvin Harrison has had more catches and yards receiving than Smith since 1996.
Smith contemplated retirement earlier this offseason, but Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio asked him to take his time and be sure he was making the right choice. His announcement came a day before the team opened a three-day mini-camp.
I was watching the story on NFL Live on ESPN and the guys were debating whether he should be in the Hall of Fame. To their credit, they all said "No". They followed up that thought by saying, "Art Monk should be the next one in the Hall of Fame."
Why?
Because he accumulated all of those yards back in the day on a team that
"RAN
THE
BALL!!"
'Nuff said. Kudos to those dudes!
Fran Farren
"Justice Hog"
Newark, DE
“God didn't give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving and controlled.” 2 Timothy 1:7
The Jags have used their number one pick in the last few drafts to find some one to play opposite Jimmy, the first year they don't he quits. Wilford is the best young WR on the team. Matt Jones and Reggie Williams haven't stepped up and they had Smith on the other side. Will be interesting to see what the Jags do.
Why didn't he do this a few weeks ago
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When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hold on....
1niksder wrote:The Jags have used their number one pick in the last few drafts to find some one to play opposite Jimmy, the first year they don't he quits. Wilford is the best young WR on the team. Matt Jones and Reggie Williams haven't stepped up and they had Smith on the other side. Will be interesting to see what the Jags do.
Why didn't he do this a few weeks ago
I'm sure they knew he was considering. They must have faith in all those other guys at this point.
What choice do they have?
"He's a playmaker, that's his label. They used to have strong safeties, but now they got another position: They're called playmakers." -Terence Newman on Roy Williams
Justice Hog wrote:I was watching the story on NFL Live on ESPN and the guys were debating whether he should be in the Hall of Fame. To their credit, they all said "No". They followed up that thought by saying, "Art Monk should be the next one in the Hall of Fame."
Why?
Because he accumulated all of those yards back in the day on a team that "RAN
THE
BALL!!"
'Nuff said. Kudos to those dudes!
I saw that too. It was nice to see Art get some love. Especially when two former players stated that they didin;t understnd why Art Monk isn;t in the hall. It was almost as if they calling King and Z morons. At least, that's how I took it, but I might be a wee bit biased.
I'm a jack of all trades, the master of three
Rockin' the tables, rockin' the mikes, rockin' the young lay-dees.
1niksder wrote: Why didn't he do this a few weeks ago
Looks like he may have tried to:
Smith contemplated retirement earlier this offseason, but Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio asked him to take his time and be sure he was making the right choice.
Why didn't he do this a few weeks ago 
