The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

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.

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

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!

1niksder wrote: Why didn't he do this a few weeks ago

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.