While Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Steve Smith elected to retire from the NFL after just six seasons earlier this week, his namesake with the Carolina Panthers has no intention of doing the same in the near future.
Smith is set to enter his 13th season in the NFL this fall - all with the Carolina Panthers. According to Steve Reed of the Associated Press, Smith plans on playing “15 or 16 years” in the NFL before calling it a career. If he holds true to his commitment, Smith will play through either the 2015 or 2016 season.
“Physically I feel great right now,” Smith said.
Smith has been the go-to option at receiver for the Panthers for the majority of his 12 seasons with the team. He’s caught 772 passes for 11,452 yards and 63 touchdowns over that span. Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (14,268) and Indianapolis Colts receiver Reggie Wayne (13,063) are the only active players with more career receiving yards than Smith.