Rod Entertains Questions Re: Lelie/Walker

[Vegas_Bronco]

Rod throws the obvious to the media:

May 3 -- Rod Smith Speaks

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=609

"You got to be professional about this business" = sending a message to Lelie?

"It's hard to be in this business for 13 years, it's hard to be in this business for 4 years." - uhuuum!

Entertains questions about Lelie and roasts the media with their 'great' questions. Puts Lelie's request to be #1 in it's place! Great Rod, just a great guy!!!

Reveals a nugget regarding Eddie Mac and his #2 spot behind E-mac.

[Kaylore]

I'm watching this now. I gotta say we have some of the coolest, best leaders on this team. He's really got the mentality that he'll be good at anything he does.

[watermock]

Lelie should listen to Smith instead of Walker.

[Vegas_Bronco]

The best media conference I've ever seen from Rod - really puts things in perspective.

[watermock]

"Guys like Walker, Adams and Smith are trying to take my job too..."

Rod Smith isn't under a rookie contract, but he's earned every penny. Lelie is under a first round contract. I don't think Rod would of even said anything. What a great leader IMO.

[Kaylore]

The best media conference I've ever seen from Rod - really puts things in perspective.
I agree. That was great. He got a little lost at times, but he was pretty tired. He just gets it and understands what you need to undertand to be successful at this level.

It was cool hearing about how he, Lynch, Al Wilson and Bailey take a mentoring role. I knew they did, but I didn't know they stayed after to help guys out. He also was right about not being number one and still getting open.

"If you are a starter and you get open, you'll get some balls. Now some of that's the scheme, but when I played with Ed McCaffrey I had more yards and more catches than anyone and I was the number two receiver. It doesn't matter your number."

I also like that he was grateful just to be on the team and have a job. I don't know how someone that successful and consistant can be that humble and grateful, but it just illustrates why he's one of the classiest people I know of.

[watermock]

Rod took the perfect middle road. He's Ring of fame IMO.

It was thinly veiled about Lelie. Noone handed the #1 to him. He's clearly frustrated and said he talked to Lelie. IMO his major point was that noone is obligated to give you the #1. Smith has beaten down all comers for a decade. He knows it's about competiton. He's quite an athlete.

[Macnut]

Great great words coming from a great veteran.

[Odysseus]

I don't mind apologizing to Lelie supporters if he gets it. I am man enough to admit mistakes I don't think that he is.

Rod is the man and he is right Walker IS trying to take his job. The point of a 3 WR that can start is that you have to cover all of them. Lelie doesn't get he can get pro bowl numbers and consideration because Walker isn't going to be full speed this year.

Why doesn't he want to start for the Broncos?

[Eli_Cash]

I'm not a religous man, but thank jebus for Rod Smith.

They should put him on the ring of fame now, he's that good.

[Ballhawk]

My favorite part was that #1 WR and #2 WR is not the numbers he cares about #53 is because if you are #54 you do not have a job :D

[Garcia Bronco]

I never get video from that site...I never go to DB.com...it's a waste of time.

[bronco_diesel]

Rod took the perfect middle road. He's Ring of fame IMO.


i was watching that in contrast with how favre handled the walker situation. rod has class.

[UboBronco]

The year Javon Walker broke out with his great year. If you check back, he was the third reciever on the Packers. He did not start, yet played so well when in the game, they had to have him in their. I wish Ashlie would do the same.

[MechanicalBull]

It was cool hearing about how he, Lynch, Al Wilson and Bailey take a mentoring role. I knew they did, but I didn't know they stayed after to help guys out. He also was right about not being number one and still getting open.

"If you are a starter and you get open, you'll get some balls. Now some of that's the scheme, but when I played with Ed McCaffrey I had more yards and more catches than anyone and I was the number two receiver. It doesn't matter your number."



Rod is a class act all the way

I remember hearing last off season how those 4 were mentoring and helping out the younger guys, but there is only so much you can teach them and put between their ears. Lelie can learn and listen all he wants but he has to translate that on the field and put up some good numbers if he wants to be known more than just a deep threat.

Look at the stats from '98 talk about sharing the ball, Eddie Mac, Smith, Sharpe and TD put up great #s. I know we had Elway back then but even in 2000 when Rod and Ed got 100 catches each, Anderson ran for 1500 and Carswell caught about 50 passes with Griese at the helm.

My point is as you all know if you produce on the field you will get your stats and most of all for most of these players you will get paid. Rod worked his way from an undrafted rookie contract to now a potential hall of famer. If Lelie goes so be it but I think he would be best here with Walker and Smith for at least one year.

[Ratboy]

In Rod We Trust.

When he retires, I sure hope Shanahan offers him a job. Rod would be a great receivers coach.

[Odysseus]

Rod shows how difficult it is to create and maintain solid reciever tandems. If Javon is Ashley's friend why doesn't he want to play in Denver with his friend? This is a chance for him to put killer numbers. Whos going cover all three of these guys?

[Liquid Courage]

Watching this just vaults Rod higher and higher in my mind - which is pretty damn hard to do. I just wish my 2 year old was older so I could play this, point at the computer and say, "This, my son, is a MAN and a role model." I truly hope to instill the perspective and values he has upon my own children because with his self reliance and determination there is nothing he couldn't accomplish.

Rod is the reason to watch sport IMO. To serve as an example for those of us blessed with other abilities to utilize the analogy sport provides and put your heart and soul into whatever it is you do and dominate it. I doubt Rod will ever be in the HOF given the Coastal bias, but there is no one more deserving of the honor.

[watermock]

"If you are a starter and you get open, you'll get some balls. Now some of that's the scheme, but when I played with Ed McCaffrey I had more yards and more catches than anyone and I was the number two receiver. It doesn't matter your number."


This is something that Lelie doesn't understand. When Issac Bruce was being beaten down, Holt ran free. Look I can't account for how Lelie was used, we have discussed it ad nauseum. The point is that the #2 often has better opportunities than the #1. I love how Rod said he was happy just to make the 53. Look Ashlie, if you can't beat an undrafted FA that is an old man in football years, how can you demand the spot by whining like T.O.?

It doesn't work that way in Denver.

[Broncoman13]

Here's the thing, I think that Rod benefits more from Ash, than Ash from Rod. Ash drags two defenders with him down field. He's the grunt in that sense. I can understand Ash's frustration. Rod is great, but to think that he's constantly doubled is just not the case anymore. Teams are afraid of Ash moreso than Rod. What doesn't make sense to me, teams are now gonna have to be worried about Walker as well. These guys aren't gonna get doubled... is Ash is here. I certainly understand his concern about being the 3rd receiver and not getting the opportunities... but man we have the pieces to be very dangerous in the passing game!

[DBroncos4life]

Here's the thing, I think that Rod benefits more from Ash, than Ash from Rod. Ash drags two defenders with him down field. He's the grunt in that sense. I can understand Ash's frustration. Rod is great, but to think that he's constantly doubled is just not the case anymore. Teams are afraid of Ash moreso than Rod. What doesn't make sense to me, teams are now gonna have to be worried about Walker as well. These guys aren't gonna get doubled... is Ash is here. I certainly understand his concern about being the 3rd receiver and not getting the opportunities... but man we have the pieces to be very dangerous in the passing game!
Ash should take a look at what Indy is able to do with the three wide sets. While Plummer isn't Manning I think Lelie still could put up bigger numbers because he is going against the 3rd DB and odds are there won't be as much over the top help against him. We still will do the boot-leg bomb to him so whats the problem???

[2KBack]

Here's the thing, I think that Rod benefits more from Ash, than Ash from Rod. Ash drags two defenders with him down field. He's the grunt in that sense. I can understand Ash's frustration. Rod is great, but to think that he's constantly doubled is just not the case anymore. Teams are afraid of Ash moreso than Rod. What doesn't make sense to me, teams are now gonna have to be worried about Walker as well. These guys aren't gonna get doubled... is Ash is here. I certainly understand his concern about being the 3rd receiver and not getting the opportunities... but man we have the pieces to be very dangerous in the passing game!

If you watch, that actually went both ways last year. When the defense would start cheating to ash's side Rod would have a huge game, and vice versa. It was a pretty good symbiotic relationship. Don't think that Rod doesn't get doubled though, I saw it a lot.

[DBroncos4life]

Like it matters what number you are, just get open and the damn ball should go your way. If Rod was moved down to number three he would get open and the ball would go his way.

[ludo21]

MAn, i love Rod, he is the man!

[Odysseus]

Here's the thing, I think that Rod benefits more from Ash, than Ash from Rod. Ash drags two defenders with him down field. He's the grunt in that sense. I can understand Ash's frustration. Rod is great, but to think that he's constantly doubled is just not the case anymore. Teams are afraid of Ash moreso than Rod. What doesn't make sense to me, teams are now gonna have to be worried about Walker as well. These guys aren't gonna get doubled... is Ash is here. I certainly understand his concern about being the 3rd receiver and not getting the opportunities... but man we have the pieces to be very dangerous in the passing game!

---They need to give Lelie guarantees based on performance. It's what is fair. He needs to come into camp. STFU. Let his agent do his talking. Settle down the fans...like me...and just play football.

[Ballhawk]

---They need to give Lelie guarantees based on performance. It's what is fair. He needs to come into camp. STFU. Let his agent do his talking. Settle down the fans...like me...and just play football. If he doesn't come back, I for one won't miss him. This has nothing to do with his lack of fight. He just does not suit our system and I think that we can easily replace his production.

[delany]

Here's the thing, I think that Rod benefits more from Ash, than Ash from Rod. Ash drags two defenders with him down field. He's the grunt in that sense. I can understand Ash's frustration. Rod is great, but to think that he's constantly doubled is just not the case anymore. Teams are afraid of Ash moreso than Rod. What doesn't make sense to me, teams are now gonna have to be worried about Walker as well. These guys aren't gonna get doubled... is Ash is here. I certainly understand his concern about being the 3rd receiver and not getting the opportunities... but man we have the pieces to be very dangerous in the passing game!

Teams are SO afraid and respectful of Ash that they were offering up all sorts of trades at fair market value for his services.

Yeah. Right.

Ash is what he is. A good #2 receiver.

[youcandoit1687]

any idea what the odds are of rod making the HOF. i dont think his presence was nationally felt enuf. he gets a lot of respect from most broadcasters but he just hasnt put up the numbers like other candidates will have(eric moulds will prob be somewhere around the same class). i say 25% bc u never know who the votes will like. he does have that one moment that epitomizes a career in the SB34 catch. i really hope that he can make it in bc he is a class act and is the current face of the organization IMO. maybe another SB or two would cement him

[Ballhawk]

any idea what the odds are of rod making the HOF. i dont think his presence was nationally felt enuf. he gets a lot of respect from most broadcasters but he just hasnt put up the numbers like other candidates will have(eric moulds will prob be somewhere around the same class). i say 25% bc u never know who the votes will like. he does have that one moment that epitomizes a career in the SB34 catch. i really hope that he can make it in bc he is a class act and is the current face of the organization IMO. maybe another SB or two would cement him
He should make it, but who knows. If he is still in the top 10 for all time receptions when he becomes eligible, then he has a great shot (he is like 129 rec away from #6 all time I believe).

[Liquid Courage]

Teams are SO afraid and respectful of Ash that they were offering up all sorts of trades at fair market value for his services.

Yeah. Right.

Ash is what he is. A good #2 receiver.

. . . . . and a GREAT #3 receiver if he would check his ego and care about Championships. I am totally confident that his production w/ Rod & Javon would go up from last year at the #3 slot (not that improvement would be hard).

[bronco militia]

I never get video from that site...I never go to DB.com...it's a waste of time.


dial-up Donk

[Jetmeck]

. . . . . and a GREAT #3 receiver if he would check his ego and care about Championships. I am totally confident that his production w/ Rod & Javon would go up from last year at the #3 slot (not that improvement would be hard).


I agree with what you said, unless the rook can fill Lelie's shoes. ASH's production best go up, what did he have ?

ONE TD all year, geese. STFU and play.

[Ballhawk]

. . . . . and a GREAT #3 receiver if he would check his ego and care about Championships. I am totally confident that his production w/ Rod & Javon would go up from last year at the #3 slot (not that improvement would be hard).
I disagree. I think Lelie is about the worse guy for #3 WR. #3 Wrs come in mostly on 3rd downs where you need a guy that can get seperation and make a guy miss and move the chains. Stokley in Indy is a good #3. Lelie is best on 2nd and short where you can take a shot downfield.

Watts would be a great 3rd WR if he held on to the ball.

[RhymesayersDU]

I always love seeing these guys talk. Just chatting about anything and everything.

However, I will say this. I don't support Ashley's holdout by any means. I like the guy, but I don't think he has any leverage to be sitting.

But with that said, it's very easy for Rod to say "Oh I don't care about who is number 1, etc etc" when he's a veteran who has made his money and is on his way out of the league.

I love Rod, absolutely I do, but with that said, it's just different when you're a veteran in the last years of your career, and when you're a young guy trying to make a name for yourself, and trying to make some money, etc.

Anyways, the best part about the segment was Rod saying "I went undrafted, so I'm bitter and I hate the draft." That was pretty funny.

[ludo21]

I always love seeing these guys talk. Just chatting about anything and everything.

However, I will say this. I don't support Ashley's holdout by any means. I like the guy, but I don't think he has any leverage to be sitting.

But with that said, it's very easy for Rod to say "Oh I don't care about who is number 1, etc etc" when he's a veteran who has made his money and is on his way out of the league.

I love Rod, absolutely I do, but with that said, it's just different when you're a veteran in the last years of your career, and when you're a young guy trying to make a name for yourself, and trying to make some money, etc.

Anyways, the best part about the segment was Rod saying "I went undrafted, so I'm bitter and I hate the draft." That was pretty funny.

Not only that, but its where Rod has had to come from. UDFA, work his butt off to get on the team, then works even harder just to start. I understand his POV.

Lelie comes from the first round school of WR. Basically he see's other first rounder GIVEN jobs whereas he had to earn it. Not what he expected it seems.....

[The Big E]

Not only that, but its where Rod has had to come from. UDFA, work his butt off to get on the team, then works even harder just to start. I understand his POV.

Lelie comes from the first round school of WR. Basically he see's other first rounder GIVEN jobs whereas he had to earn it. Not what he expected it seems.....
I remember a piece on Rod about a year ago where he said that he never approaches a camp, practice or workout with the assumption that he had a job, no matter what he may have already accomplished. He's so unlike most WR's, and you can't help but admire the guy.

[Kaylore]

I remember a piece on Rod about a year ago where he said that he has never approaches a camp, practice or workout with the assumption that he had a job, no matter what he may have already accomplished. He's so unlike most WR's, and you can't help but admire the guy. It's nice to have such a quality guy that doesn't need to act like a bafoon when he scores a touchdown.

[ludo21]

It's nice to have such a quality guy that doesn't need to act like a bafoon when he scores a touchdown.


His attitude is definitely different (as in much better) than any other WR in the league.

It takes that mental aspect of it to get it done.

Rice didnt have all the intagibles, but his work ethic is why he is the greatest ever.

[Garcia Bronco]

dial-up Donk

Not since 2000

[Garcia Bronco]

Rod still keeps a foodstamp in his wallet to remind himself of the hard times. I get real emotional when I talk about Rod Smith. I think if anybody said anything bad about him...I'd punch them in the mouth

[Odysseus]

any idea what the odds are of rod making the HOF. i dont think his presence was nationally felt enuf. he gets a lot of respect from most broadcasters but he just hasnt put up the numbers like other candidates will have(eric moulds will prob be somewhere around the same class). i say 25% bc u never know who the votes will like. he does have that one moment that epitomizes a career in the SB34 catch. i really hope that he can make it in bc he is a class act and is the current face of the organization IMO. maybe another SB or two would cement him

I am a bigtime Rod Smith fan and his stock just went through the roof. I think Rod should be allowed to play until the wheels fall off. Rod gets a Superbowl ring and he has a shot...a long one...but it's shot. If Lelie stops pouting and gets his butt back in camp Rod has a shot.

I might enjoy watching Javon Walker for what he does but I respect Rod.

[Hulamau]

Its interesting how we continue to hear how every one in the organization likes and cares so much for Lelie, that wouldn't happend in a million years for a 'me first' guy who is lazy and demanded everything be 'given' to him.

If he was a typical first round primadonna all along it would be easier to understand so many wanting to throw him under the bus right off the bat, but I think many of us fans could also learn a thing or two from how Rod approaches and views this situation as well

He and Ash have obviously talked this out in great detail before it all became public and Rod said: "if I think a friend is doing something really wrong I'll tell him, but I didnt do that here I told him to do what you think is best for you and your chance to catch balls and make a career for yourself and help a football team."

He also said "This is the time of year where its all individual and come July through Feb its got to be all team, if you are on the team." So lets see how this all plays out before running the guy out of town on a rail.

Thats the least we can all do as fans while at the same time welcoming Walker in with open arms for doing the same thing and getting away with it!

As usual Kudos to Rod and Plummer for bringing some common sense to the argument.

[ludo21]

I dont think when Rod talked to Ashley back in the fall, Lelie told him he was going to cry about not getting a shot and sit out if he didnt get his way.

[Hulamau]

Rod stayed with Lelie for a few days during the Pro Bowl week here in Hawaii so I imagine they talked out all kinds of scenarios, but I wouldn't dare assume to know what they did and didnt talk about above and beyond what they have told us publicly.

Although another thing Rod did say in the interview is that he told Ash to feel free to use his name however he saw fit if he needed it to lay out his position. Which isnt eactly what one would expect if he was ticked off at Lelie and thought he was driving off a cliff.

[ro_50]

Rod Smith is the leader on this team and has been since Elway left.

[ro_50]

I love his comments on the draft.

[Killericon]

Yet another Exhibit to show the Hall of Fame selection commitee.

[IHaveALight]

After watching that...

How cool would it be to honor him next year with this...
With the 7th round selection the Denver Broncos select: Rod Smith, Denver Broncos.
Waste the pick if we have to, just to honor this man!

[Fusionfrontman]

Rod Smith= fav NFL player EVER

[Northman]

I disagree. I think Lelie is about the worse guy for #3 WR. #3 Wrs come in mostly on 3rd downs where you need a guy that can get seperation and make a guy miss and move the chains. Stokley in Indy is a good #3. Lelie is best on 2nd and short where you can take a shot downfield.

Watts would be a great 3rd WR if he held on to the ball.


Either Watts or Adams.

[Kaylore]

After watching that...

How cool would it be to honor him next year with this...
With the 7th round selection the Denver Broncos select: Rod Smith, Denver Broncos.
Waste the pick if we have to, just to honor this man!
We'll have the last pick so we might as well. If there is anyone we really want, we can just bring them in as FA.

[Sgt Sauce]

68 catches, 1077 yards and 10 TDs.. any guess who put up those #'s?



'04 Brandon Stokley, 4th round pick out of Louisianna-Layfayette...



QUIT YOUR WHINNING ASH, JUST GO OUT HELP US WIN!!



P.S. Rod is a definite Ring of Famer, class guy all around!!

[heydensmom]

Rod is the man. I heard a story about him and makes me love him even more....in his SR in college year he was being presued by an Army recruiter (who happens to be a close family friend) he seriously considered joining one day...he sat there for awhile, came back a couple time, then finally said no...i want to play in the NFL and 'm going to play in the NFL. The recruiter basically laughed at him, said ok buddy...i'll still be here when you come back..and look at him now.

[Popps]

Rod is the man. I heard a story about him and makes me love him even more....in his SR in college year he was being presued by an Army recruiter (who happens to be a close family friend) he seriously considered joining one day...he sat there for awhile, came back a couple time, then finally said no...i want to play in the NFL and 'm going to play in the NFL. The recruiter basically laughed at him, said ok buddy...i'll still be here when you come back..and look at him now.

Rod would have made a great soldier, too.

[MrPeepers]

A charity golf event at his old school will keep Rod Smith out of the Denver Broncos' off-season conditioning program for the next couple of days. He will make up the missed time, keeping alive a career streak of annual 100 percent attendance.
-- Rocky Mountain News

[BroncosBeerMan]

What kind of GOD is this man - having someone hold his microphone for him. I bet we'd hoist a carrier on our shoulders. We will miss this man when he hangs them up.

[ludo21]

After watching that...

How cool would it be to honor him next year with this...
With the 7th round selection the Denver Broncos select: Rod Smith, Denver Broncos.
Waste the pick if we have to, just to honor this man!


7th round honor??? j/k

I get what your after. IT would be kinda neat.

[Odysseus]

What kind of GOD is this man - having someone hold his microphone for him. I bet we'd hoist a carrier on our shoulders. We will miss this man when he hangs them up.

They don't make MEN like this much any more. All the hits he has taken personally and professionally. He's come out on top and still maintains a rare sense of humility. He's not perfect as a person I promise you. I am going to miss his sense of humor.

[watermock]

:thanku: Smith has earned the right to speak his mind.

A charity golf event at his old school will keep Rod Smith out of the Denver Broncos' off-season conditioning program for the next couple of days. He will make up the missed time, keeping alive a career streak of annual 100 percent attendance.
-- Rocky Mountain News

Where do you go with that. He's going to miss a workout for a charity event yet make up the time? These are just workouts and if he missed them, noone would bat an eye, at least not me. Rod will come in and do double time after his charity funcion is over. It's amazing honestly. He's like Cal Ripken Jr.

I'm confused how Lelie thinks he would of gotten a better opportunity than Denver, especially with a new coordinator and working out with Walker.

Get his ass in here too. He's got a trick knee we need to look at. Well, whatever. They act like they are gay. Get to camp.

Well I have to go to bed with my kitty, he's impatient.

[Rausch]

Rod is the man. I heard a story about him and makes me love him even more....in his SR in college year he was being presued by an Army recruiter (who happens to be a close family friend) he seriously considered joining one day...he sat there for awhile, came back a couple time, then finally said no...i want to play in the NFL and 'm going to play in the NFL. The recruiter basically laughed at him, said ok buddy...i'll still be here when you come back..and look at him now.

Hate........to.........admit......

Big fan of Matt (in yer avatar, he's a closet comic book nerd) and can't hate on a Missouri guy like Rod.

Us Mo guys, we're a stubborn lot...

[fontaine]

Here's the thing, I think that Rod benefits more from Ash, than Ash from Rod. Ash drags two defenders with him down field. He's the grunt in that sense. I can understand Ash's frustration. Rod is great, but to think that he's constantly doubled is just not the case anymore. Teams are afraid of Ash moreso than Rod. What doesn't make sense to me, teams are now gonna have to be worried about Walker as well. These guys aren't gonna get doubled... is Ash is here. I certainly understand his concern about being the 3rd receiver and not getting the opportunities... but man we have the pieces to be very dangerous in the passing game!


Then you must have been watching with your eyes closed!
:)

In the two most important games of this past season the Pats AND the Steelers both sent double coverage towards Rod because he was the more productive WR while Lelie didn't get as much attention. The end result was still the same, Lelie did his usual disapearing act.