Rod Smith

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Smith's first NFL catch was a last-minute 43-yard touchdown from John Elway in a 38–31 win against the Washington Redskins on September 17, 1995. He was a starting wide receiver of the Broncos' back-to-back Super Bowl championships in 1997 and 1998. In the Broncos' 34–19 win in Super Bowl XXXIII, Smith had five receptions for 152 yards, tied for 5th most in Super Bowl history, including an 80-yard touchdown reception. He had eight seasons of at least 1,000 receiving yards and two seasons of at least 100 receptions (2000: 100; 2001: 113). In 2000, Smith and teammate Ed McCaffrey became only the second wide receiver duo on the same team to each gain 100 receptions in the same season. His 113 receptions in 2001 led the league. A hip injury suffered in 2006 required a complete hip replacement. On December 28, 2007, it was revealed that Smith needed another hip surgery, possibly ending his career. He was placed on the reserve/retired list on February 15, 2008, and announced his formal retirement on July 24, 2008, at the team's Dove Valley headquarters.

In Their Own Story

Smith finished his career as the Broncos all-time leader in receptions (849), receiving yards (11,389), and touchdown receptions (68). Also an accomplished punt returner, Smith returned 53 punts for 647 yards and a touchdown. His 12.2 yards per return average ranked him 2nd all time among Broncos players with at least 50 punt returns. He was a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2004. In May 2012 it was announced that he would be inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame in his first year of eligibility. The induction ceremony took place on Sunday, Sep 23, at halftime of the Broncos' home game against the Houston Texans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Smith was the first undrafted player to reach 10,000 receiving yards, and the 24th in history to eclipse that figure. He retired with the most receptions (849), receiving yards (11,389), and touchdown receptions (68) of any undrafted player in NFL history.

Reader's Guide

Smith holds Broncos franchise records in career receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches. He ranks first on Denver's all-time yards from scrimmage list. He is only the sixth player in NFL history to have 100 receptions against at least 3 teams (Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders). He was AFC Offensive Player of the Week (week 15; 12/17/05 against the Buffalo Bills at Buffalo). He earned Associated Press second-team All-Pro honors in 2000 and 2001. He was inducted into the Division II Hall of Fame in 2008 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009. As of 2023's NFL off-season, Smith held at least 11 Broncos franchise records, including career receptions (849), season receptions (113 in 2001), career receiving yards (11,389), playoff receiving yards (860), career receiving touchdowns (68), playoff receiving touchdowns (6), total touchdowns (71), yards from scrimmage (11,737), all purpose yards (12,488), games with 1+ TD scored (66), and seasons with 1000+ receiving yards (8).

Did You Know?

• Smith was signed by the Broncos as an undrafted free agent after the 1994 draft and spent all of 1994 on the practice squad.
• His first NFL catch was a last-minute 43-yard touchdown from John Elway in a 38–31 win against the Washington Redskins on September 17, 1995.
• Smith had five receptions for 152 yards in Super Bowl XXXIII, including an 80-yard touchdown reception.
• He was a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2004.
• Smith was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009.