Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith announced on Aug. 10 that he would retire after the 2015 season. Smith has been in the NFL for 15 seasons, according to the Baltimore Ravens website. Smith had a successful career even before he reached the NFL.
In his early life, Smith attended University High School where he participated in football and track. The Los Angeles native was an All-California Interscholastic Federation selection. Smith also excelled in track and field, specifically in the 300-meter hurdles and triple jump. His efforts earned Smith an All-City selection as a high hurdler, according to the Baltimore Ravens.
In 1997, Smith attended Santa Monica Junior College where he earned the Second Team All-Western State Conference South selection during his sophomore year. That season, he committed 54 receptions for 847 yards, according to the Baltimore Ravens.
Smith then attended the University of Utah in 1999 and continued to gain accolades for his abilities on the field. During his first season, Smith achieved the First-Team All-Mountain West Conference honors. He also led the conference with the average of 147.5 all-purpose yards per contest. He was an all-time leader during his senior year with an average of 20.6 yards per catch, according to the Baltimore Ravens.
In 2001, he entered the NFL Draft and became a 3rd round pick, chosen by the Carolina Panthers. He would go to spend the majority of his career with the Panthers. He made a career high of 103 receptions and 12 receiving touchdowns in 2005, according to ESPN.
Smith is a five-time Pro Bowl player, making his appearance in years 2001, 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2011. The wide receiver won several awards in 2005, including the Ed Block Courage Award, Associated Press Comeback player of the Year, and NFL Alumni Wide Receiver of the Year, according to the Baltimore Ravens.
The Panthers released Smith and he began playing for the Baltimore Ravens, according to the NFL. Smith told his teammates about his retirement plans before he told the press, according to the Baltimore Ravens website.
