Rod Smith is a former American football wide receiver who played for the Denver Broncos for his entire career. He was born on May 15, 1970, in Texarkana, Arkansas, and attended Missouri Southern State University.
Smith went undrafted in the 1994 NFL Draft and signed with the Broncos as a free agent. He spent his rookie season on the practice squad before making the active roster in 1995.
Smith quickly became a key player for the Broncos, earning a starting role in his second season. He was known for his precise route-running, reliable hands, and ability to make tough catches in traffic.
Smith played in three Super Bowls with the Broncos, winning two of them in 1997 and 1998. He was a key contributor in both victories, catching a touchdown pass in Super Bowl XXXII and recording five receptions for 152 yards and a touchdown in Super Bowl XXXIII.
Throughout his career, Smith set numerous records for the Broncos. He is the team's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches. He was also the first undrafted player in NFL history to record 10,000 receiving yards.
Smith was named to three Pro Bowls and was a two-time All-Pro selection. He was known for his work ethic and leadership, serving as a team captain for several seasons.
Injuries began to take a toll on Smith in the later years of his career. He underwent hip surgery in 2004 and missed several games in 2005 due to a hamstring injury. He announced his retirement in 2008 after being released by the Broncos.
Since retiring, Smith has been involved in various business ventures and charitable organizations. He was inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame in 2012 and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.
Overall, Rod Smith's football career was marked by his consistency, reliability, and leadership. He was a key player for the Broncos during their successful run in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and his records still stand as a testament to his talent and hard work.
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