Rod Smith’s Hall Of Fame Case

By Jordan Long

The NFL Hall of Fame finalists for 2021 have been announced.  Among the 15 players, those   include quarterback Peyton Manning, wide receiver Calvin Johnson, and defensive back Charles Woodson.  On February 6^th, the class of 2021 will be announced for enshrinement on August 8^th, 2021.  One player who hasn’t received a lot of consideration for the Hall of Fame is wide receiver Rod Smith.

                Smith’s career didn’t start like Johnson’s.  Smith was not drafted, but signed a free agent contract with the Denver Broncos in 1994.  He made the team but Smith didn’t take off until 1997.  That year Smith totaled 70 receptions for 1,180 yards and 12 touchdowns.  It was the 1^st of 6 straight seasons of 1,000 plus receiving yards.

                Smith’s top season for Denver was in 2000 when he totaled 1,602 receiving yards.  Smith would pass 1,000 receiving yard mark 8 times in his career.

                The Broncos trusted Smith in the open field.  He was able to make defenders miss for first downs or longer.  He protected the football.  Defenders knocked the ball out of his hands for 12 fumbles but Smith lost 7 in his whole career.  His average yards per catch was an impressive 13.4.  Smith had 68 touchdowns. Smith ended up with 2 Super Bowl rings and 3 Pro Bowls.   

                Smith finished with 11,389 receiving yards and 68 touchdowns.  The receiving yards are number 1 all-time in Broncos history and 34^th in NFL history.  Smith’s touchdowns are also on top of the Broncos list.  In NFL history Smith is tied for 48^th.

                The NFL Hall of Fame needs to take a deeper look at Smith and his numbers.  He is the Jerry Rice of undrafted free agents.  Smith paved the way to show it is possible to have a Hall of Fame career without being drafted. 

                Not only did Smith have a great career, but he also helped Denver win two Super Bowls.  That is two more than Calvin Johnson and one more victory over Reggie Wayne who are finalist for the Hall of Fame.           The Hall of Fame committee should take a deeper look at his numbers.  Smith showed he was one of the best receivers to play the game.  He has yet to be a finalist.   His stats show it is time for him to be enshrined.   Hopefully in the next few years, the Pro Football Hall of Fame will make the right choice and have Rod Smith in as one of the top receivers to ever play the NFL game.