Jimmy Smith to retire

Smith has 12,287 yards, 67 TDs with JagsAssociated PressJACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jimmy Smith, one of the most prolific receivers in NFL history, has decided to retire. Smith led the Jacksonville Jaguars with 70 catches for 1,023 yards and six touchdowns last season. He ranks seventh in NFL history with 862 receptions and 11th in receiving yards with 12,287. He has more receptions than every receiver in the Hall of Fame, and only Marvin Harrison has more catches and yards receiving than Smith since 1996. The 37-year-old has scheduled a news conference later today to announce his decision. The five-time Pro Bowl selection overcame several health problems and a drug addiction during his 11 seasons, all with Jacksonville. Smith contemplated retirement during the offseason, but Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio asked him to take his time and be sure he was making the right choice. His announcement comes a day before the team opens a three-day mini-camp. Link

 

He is a great player and probably one of the greatest Jaguars of all time. He has played well even at his older age and it was a little suprising to see him retire this year. The Jags can move on with confidence because of their young recieving core.

 

I just learned that he battled a cocaine addiction when he first came into the league, what a great player.

 

Easily one of the best recievers of all time. I'm sure it's tough for them to see him leaving.

 

I know he still wants to play but can't just cause of age gots him down.

 

He was a great player, BCB you bring up a good point about that cocaine addiction, he was able to beat that and still put up the ridiculous numbers he did, that is very commendable. He was a great reciever and I really liked his press conference where he announced it. He was saying how there are few players like himself that can retire and say they had a great run, he left on the top of his game and you have to respect that. As much as I like seeing great players play as long as they can, it is cool when the occasional guy just leaves after a good season without hobbling around for the last few seasons.

 

He should've gone longer. I think that he could still play.

 

I'm sure Jimmy has his reasons for retiring. Go hear to look at his stats.http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/1236

 

This is a bit odd. Why would he do this? He was still catching the ball very well for his age and he was the #1 target for Leftwich last season. He got over 1000 yards last year and he was one of the best out there. Not a great time to retire but I guess it is his decision.This will hurt the Jaguars' passing game.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CB4AllStar @ May 12 2006, 09:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>This is a bit odd. Why would he do this? He was still catching the ball very well for his age and he was the #1 target for Leftwich last season. He got over 1000 yards last year and he was one of the best out there. Not a great time to retire but I guess it is his decision.This will hurt the Jaguars' passing game.</div> Sometimes players leave to move on, to leave at their peak, or for family reasons. The Jaguars now have major issues at WR. Matt Jones and Reggie Williams just won't do.

 

Matt Jones looks pretty promising but you are right, they are going to have to rely on their running game alot more with that roster at WR.Look for a trade here fellas.

 

A trade? Their are rarely any trades in the NFL, they will probably sign a few low-level WR's and hope they make the team.

 

What is the point of that? They need a potent #1 guy. They should try for a trade here, along with the Eagles.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CB4AllStar @ May 12 2006, 03:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Matt Jones looks pretty promising but you are right, they are going to have to rely on their running game alot more with that roster at WR.Look for a trade here fellas.</div>Agreeing with BCB here. Trades in the NFL involving players come around only once in a blue moon. Most trades that happen in the NFL happen right before or during the draft. Example: Javon Walker getting traded to the Broncos this year. Speaking of the Jags looking for a number 1 reciever and the Broncos, Ashley Lelie of the Broncos thinks he's a No. 1. :HAHAHA: This is coming from a guy who caught 1 TD last year i believe. He wants to be traded to a team where he can be a number 1 reciever. I guess he's going to be lining up on some high school team this year because i believe thats the only place he'd be number 1. :HAHAHA:

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CB4AllStar @ May 12 2006, 09:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>What is the point of that? They need a potent #1 guy. They should try for a trade here, along with the Eagles.</div> No NFL team will trade a #1 type reciever...

 

I guess this was just a time where he simply didn't enjoy playing football anymore. It will happen to any player eventually, and it's a shame it had to hapen to him now.

 

I believe he is probably one of the most underrated wideouts of all time and he was one of the best characters in the NFL. Being underrated was understandable though because he played for the Jags and they don't get much publicity.