Post by Shaun on May 13, 2006 15:44:40 GMT
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (May 11, 2006) -- Jimmy Smith cleared his throat, finished his sentence and then bowed his head and started to cry.
One of the most prolific receivers in NFL history, Smith found himself in another rough spot. But just as he has done so many times before in his career, he regrouped and moved on without hesitation.
No wonder he earned the nickname J-Smooth.
Smith, a five-time Pro Bowl selection who overcame several health problems and drug addiction during his 13 seasons, abruptly retired to "move on to the next phase of my life."
The veteran Jimmy Smith was the final link to the Jaguars' inaugural season in 1995.
"It's hard because I know I can still go out there and do it," Smith said. "I just figure it's not in my heart to (continue). If I'm going to play, it's got to be 100 percent. I won't get out there and not give it my all. If I can't give it my all to this organization and the fans, I'm just not going to do that. This is just not the type of person that I am.
"It's best for me to leave on a high note. I want to be able to enjoy my legacy."
The 37-year-old receiver led the Jaguars with 70 catches for 1,023 yards and six touchdowns last season. He ranks seventh in NFL history with 862 receptions and 11th with 12,287 yards receiving. He has more receptions than every receiver in the Hall of Fame, and only Marvin Harrison has had more catches and yards receiving than Smith since 1996.
Smith contemplated retirement earlier this offseason, but Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio asked him to take his time and be sure he was making the right choice. His announcement came a day before the team opened a three-day minicamp.
"I thought I had another year in me," Smith said. "I've been struggling with whether I should play an extra year or leave while I can still walk away, while my knees are still intact.
"It's best to leave on top. Not many players in the NFL get a chance to do what I'm doing today and walk away from the game happy. I can live the rest of my life happy."
One of the most prolific receivers in NFL history, Smith found himself in another rough spot. But just as he has done so many times before in his career, he regrouped and moved on without hesitation.
No wonder he earned the nickname J-Smooth.
Smith, a five-time Pro Bowl selection who overcame several health problems and drug addiction during his 13 seasons, abruptly retired to "move on to the next phase of my life."
The veteran Jimmy Smith was the final link to the Jaguars' inaugural season in 1995.
"It's hard because I know I can still go out there and do it," Smith said. "I just figure it's not in my heart to (continue). If I'm going to play, it's got to be 100 percent. I won't get out there and not give it my all. If I can't give it my all to this organization and the fans, I'm just not going to do that. This is just not the type of person that I am.
"It's best for me to leave on a high note. I want to be able to enjoy my legacy."
The 37-year-old receiver led the Jaguars with 70 catches for 1,023 yards and six touchdowns last season. He ranks seventh in NFL history with 862 receptions and 11th with 12,287 yards receiving. He has more receptions than every receiver in the Hall of Fame, and only Marvin Harrison has had more catches and yards receiving than Smith since 1996.
Smith contemplated retirement earlier this offseason, but Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio asked him to take his time and be sure he was making the right choice. His announcement came a day before the team opened a three-day minicamp.
"I thought I had another year in me," Smith said. "I've been struggling with whether I should play an extra year or leave while I can still walk away, while my knees are still intact.
"It's best to leave on top. Not many players in the NFL get a chance to do what I'm doing today and walk away from the game happy. I can live the rest of my life happy."