SI on Rod ... "He's Old School"

[Hulamau]

Leading by example
Broncos' Smith practices professionalism he preaches

In 11 NFL seasons, the Broncos' veteran receiver Rod Smith has caught for almost 11,000 yards and scored 65 touchdowns.


Rod Smith sensed the potential trouble as soon as the officials signaled touchdown midway through the Denver Broncos' training-camp practice on Monday morning. Wide receiver Javon Walker had just snared a scoring pass from quarterback Jake Plummer, snatching the ball over the middle between two Broncos defensive backs, and now Walker raised his arms as the fans cheered wildly, encouraging them to appreciate the catch even more. Smith understood that it was a spontaneous display of emotion from Walker. But Smith also feared that it could be taken the wrong way, which is why he quickly moved to extinguish any doubts.

First, Smith told Walker -- a former Pro Bowler who had been acquired in an offseason trade with Green Bay -- to never do anything that might demean his teammates. Then Smith trotted over to the defensive backs, where he spoke to cornerback Champ Bailey about the play (Bailey acknowledged that nobody had been offended on defense). Now, it might seem like Smith went to a lot of a trouble for a touchdown nobody will ever remember, but this is how he operates. He has always gone the extra mile, especially when it comes to treating the game of football with respect.

As Smith enters his 12th season, the most amazing thing about this 36-year-old wide receiver isn't that he still gives defensive backs fits. It's that his old-school approach to the game hasn't gotten old. Most players his age start facing the inevitable questions about retirement. In Smith's case, there are more questions about what the Broncos will do once he's gone. They can always find another receiver; finding another player who is so self-aware, who really understands how fortunate he is, well, that's another matter altogether.

Smith brings a lot more to the Broncos than just the unbridled enthusiasm he feels every time he hits a field. He makes sure younger players are taking proper care of their bodies. He helps teammates get connected with the right real-estate agents when they search for homes. Hell, he even gives Broncos running back Tatum Bell advice on how to stay lower when he cuts. In other words, Smith isn't shy on offering his wisdom.

he veteran revealed as much when he sat down on a bench outside the Broncos' locker room for a brief conversation on Monday afternoon. He had only been asked to speak for five minutes, but the more he talked, the longer he stayed. He had something to say on everything relating to the game, and it was all good stuff. In the business, we call this filling up a notebook. But it was more than that. Few players can sound insightful every time they do an interview. Rod Smith is part of that minority.

During the 30-minute interview, Smith talked about respecting the game and how he noticed that more young players aren't interested in doing that. "I see guys around the league acting like the NFL owes them something," Smith said. "The league doesn't owe you anything. You're one of 1,600 people on the planet who get to play this game for money. The minute you start thinking you know more than the people running the league, you're out of a job. It's a tough business, but you have to learn to appreciate that."

Smith discussed the thrill he gets when opposing coaches approach him after games to offer compliments. He's heard from Jon Gruden, Marty Schottenheimer, Tony Dungy and Wade Phillips. They've all told him how much they respect his style, the willingness to work over the middle, the relentless approach to blocking, the attention to detail that has helped him catch 797 career passes for 10,877 yards and 65 touchdowns.

The most memorable comment Smith made, though, had to do with his children. He's building a home in Denver, and one day he caught his kids staring at the sheer size of the evolving mansion. Smith looked his children in the eyes and told them, "Don't be in awe of what we have. Be in awe of how we got it."

It was Smith's way of telling his family that the process means more than the results. After all, nobody drafted Smith when he left Division II Missouri Southern State. He started on the practice squad, then jostled his way up the depth chart, filling whatever role he could find. He still jokes about when he broke in as Denver's third receiver in the mid-1990s. He says he became a clutch third-down target because he also played as a gunner on punt coverage. Smith figured it was better to move the chains than to fight off two blockers seeking to punish him as he raced downfield to make a tackle.

What is clear about Smith today is that he hasn't lost the hunger that motivated him back then. He knows he's lucky to be among those 1,600 people, and he approaches every day on a football field as if he's fighting for his job. He also loves seeing that same quality in his teammates, like fellow Pro Bowl performers Al Wilson, John Lynch and Bailey. When younger receivers ask Smith for advice during practice, he doesn't hold himself up as an example of how to prepare for games. He points to his Pro Bowl teammates, while explaining that attitude means as much as technique.

When Smith watches the Wilsons, the Lynches and the Baileys, he knows the Broncos will continue moving in the right direction long after he's done. He also knows that time will come sooner than later, which is why he eventually realized it was time to start resting while he had the chance. He pulled himself off that bench, said his feet were throbbing and gingerly walked toward the entrance. Before turning the corner and reaching the door, he admitted that he could talk about how fortunate he was all day, that he'd even play this game for free. And to be honest, I didn't doubt him for a minute.

[Kaylore]

I love that man. What a great article. Who wrote it? Do you have a link?

[ClevelandBronco]

Leading by example
Broncos' Smith practices professionalism he preaches
[B]
…finding another player who is so self-aware, who really understands how fortunate he is, well, that's another matter altogether.

…Few players can sound insightful every time they do an interview. Rod Smith is part of that minority.

During the 30-minute interview, Smith talked about respecting the game and how he noticed that more young players aren't interested in doing that. "I see guys around the league acting like the NFL owes them something," Smith said. "The league doesn't owe you anything. You're one of 1,600 people on the planet who get to play this game for money. The minute you start thinking you know more than the people running the league, you're out of a job. It's a tough business, but you have to learn to appreciate that."

…"Don't be in awe of what we have. Be in awe of how we got it."

It was Smith's way of telling his family that the process means more than the results.

…He also knows that time will come sooner than later, which is why he eventually realized it was time to start resting while he had the chance. He pulled himself off that bench, said his feet were throbbing and gingerly walked toward the entrance. Before turning the corner and reaching the door, he admitted that he could talk about how fortunate he was all day, that he'd even play this game for free. And to be honest, I didn't doubt him for a minute.

I hope this man is employed by the Broncos for decades to come. Receivers coach, then maybe more.

[penguintheory]

Definitely a great guy.

[watermock]

12 years and never missed a voluntary workout. Frugal as a chipmunk storing nuts. He deserves his new house/mansion is stretching it, but maybe not. Buying a house is still one of the best investments you can ever make. I can't stress that enough. Again, I'm sure that he feels that he's spending his money wisely. Rod is allready leaving hints this is about this is his home stretch. Gray hairs, building his retirement home...the signs are all too clear. *tears*. Whether it's one more or three...the end of an era is coming.

Where do you go with that? When he says he's done he won't make curtain calls like Neion Deion or Rice. If he isn't first ballot it's a flat out insult. Hopefully, when he's putting on the yellow jacket someday Jay "Blade" Cutler can become the leader I think he can be. The years we stumbled onto Rod, TD, Floppy Ed, Lepsis, Nalen and Sharpe go down as historic events because all of them were undrafted, late picks or picked off the wire. The Duke was always the "Golden Boy" from day one. Those 6, with Elway the ultimate franchise QB dominated...winning 18 straight over two seasons, tying an NFL record. That's a hell of a high bar to jump over.

Rod is like Merril Lynch...when he talks, people listen, or should. Anyone who says he checks his locker every day too make sure his name is still there has seen those tags change again and again and again.That isn't Rod's point...and he said it in the article...nothing is guaranteed in the NFL. Rod is entitled to be proud of his accomplishments as an undrafted free agent.

We pretty much can agree that he's always brought his lunch pail.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

He's old, alright.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

I hope this man is employed by the Broncos for decades to come. Receivers coach, then maybe more.

No multi-millionaire wants to be a receivers coach. I have to continually tell people on the planet that Trent Green will never be an offensive coordinator.

[watermock]

He also knows that time will come sooner than later, which is why he eventually realized it was time to start resting while he had the chance. He pulled himself off that bench, said his feet were throbbing and gingerly walked toward the entrance. Before turning the corner and reaching the door, he admitted that he could talk about how fortunate he was all day, that he'd even play this game for free. And to be honest, I didn't doubt him for a minute.

Take a nap old man...we will call you when we need you to haul in that winning TD. Since he has consistently been first to show up he deserves to be first to be able to rest. This is another clue that time is nigh. Hopefully, he will stay for at least one more year. If we suck this year, I don't know if he will hang the cleats up or just gett mad like this year. That article sounds like he's on a man with a mission and pleading for everyone to step up and get that third ring. Not that that's selfish. That's good. It's a motivator. I hope he, Lepsis and Nalen bring out their rings and remind them that THIS IS WHAT WE ARE PLAYING FOR, NOT A PAYCHECK.

[Clockwork Orange]

He's old, alright.

And still kicking ass. :yayaya:

[ClevelandBronco]

He's old, alright.

Perhaps your weakest effort ever, Bob. Try not to just show up in a thread like this.

Yes, the man is getting older. But I'd venture a guess that even you could learn something from Rod's approach to life.

[ClevelandBronco]

No multi-millionaire wants to be a receivers coach. I have to continually tell people on the planet that Trent Green will never be an offensive coordinator.

Thank God for the rest of us that you're here to tell us what will happen and what will not.

[JCMElway]

He's old, alright.

And still a better WR then anyone the chiefs have had on their squad for the past 15 years. Period.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Thank God for the rest of us that you're here to tell us what will happen and what will not.

Look around the NFL. I don't see many position coaches that made tons of money while they were still playing.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

And still a better WR then anyone the chiefs have had on their squad for the past 15 years. Period.

I don't know why you had to bring the Chiefs into this.

[Clockwork Orange]

Look around the NFL. I don't see many position coaches that made tons of money while they were still playing.

Give it ten years. You will.

Believe it or not, some of these guys really do love the game and want to remain a part of it after their playing days are over.

[JCMElway]

BECAUSE YOU'RE A CHIEFS FAN ON A BRONCOS FAN SITE.

I just can't believe what an imbicile you are, Bob. Usually I can ignore it, but you're going to extreme lengths to prove it tonight.

I'd put Bob on ignore, but half the posts on the site are either by him or about him. :oyvey:

[ClevelandBronco]

Look around the NFL. I don't see many position coaches that made tons of money while they were still playing.

Two guys are arguing and the first guy says, "**** you." The second guy says, "Oh, yeah? **** you." The first guy says, "I never thought about it that way."

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Why is this big-money generation different than the last big-money generation?

It just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. Sure they might still love the game, but assistant coaches have to bust their ass for a few hundred thousand dollars a year. That's peanuts to guys like Rod Smith.

[Clockwork Orange]

Why is this big-money generation different than the last big-money generation?

It just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. Sure they might still love the game, but assistant coaches have to bust their ass for a few hundred thousand dollars a year. That's peanuts to guys like Rod Smith.

Maybe they'll coach because they like teaching, like working with young players, don't want to be on the outside looking in at the game they've played their entire lives. Guys don't become assistant coaches for the money. Hell, not even the guys who were marginal players are assistant coaches for the money. Those guys do it with the idea of possibly working their way up to being a head coach.

[ClevelandBronco]

It just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me.

The boiling point of water makes no sense to you. Give us something better to go on...

[2KBack]

Why is this big-money generation different than the last big-money generation?

It just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. Sure they might still love the game, but assistant coaches have to bust their ass for a few hundred thousand dollars a year. That's peanuts to guys like Rod Smith.

Depends on how much you believe him when he says he'd play the game for free. IF he truly loves the game that much, he'll want to stay involved with it, money isn't the issue (again, if you take what Rod says at face value).

[ClevelandBronco]

Depends on how much you believe him when he says he'd play the game for free. IF he truly loves the game that much, he'll want to stay involved with it, money isn't the issue (again, if you take what Rod says at face value).

Like the man says, if you believe him.

I do.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Guys don't become assistant coaches for the money.
Really? It seems to me that the assistant coaches in the league right now that are former players didn't make enough scratch to retire on. They have to get jobs after football, so they go with what they're naturally qualified to do.

I could be wrong, but how much money did Charlie Joiner make over his career? He's been an assistant coach for 19 years now. Either he likes spending time away from his family, or he needs the money.

[Clockwork Orange]

Really? It seems to me that the assistant coaches in the league right now that are former players didn't make enough scratch to retire on. They have to get jobs after football, so they go with what they're naturally qualified to do.

I could be wrong, but how much money did Charlie Joiner make over his career? He's been an assistant coach for 19 years now. Either he likes spending time away from his family, or he needs the money.

I have no idea how much scratch Joyner made in his career, but I'll bet that when he first got into coaching, it was with the idea of eventually becoming a head coach and not just pulling a paycheck as an assistant. Even if the money is why he's doing it, it's certainly not a bad way to make a living.

I believe that you'll see guys from this generation who made a large amount of money get into coaching when their playing days are over. Some of them truly love the game and will want to remain a part of it in a capacity closer than the broadcast booth.

[ClevelandBronco]

Either he likes spending time away from his family, or he needs the money.

You give Mr. Joiner only those two options? You're a shallow judge of human motivation and potential, Bob.

[watermock]

There is nothing to indicate Rod Smith wants to be a coach at all. It's a bridge too far.

Hey Boob...Do you know where most coaches come from yet? Are you taking idiot pills? He doesn't have retired, nor been offered a coaching job nor has he said he even wants one. Your worst nightmare would be that he would want to. Maybe he just wants to finally raise his kids. Throwing the thread off into total speculation. Whatever.

Tell us again about the dedication of Quitterson who has 10 tattoos and want's to get an 11th before you tell us who Rod Smith is you POS.

[BroncoMan4ever]

Why is this big-money generation different than the last big-money generation?

It just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. Sure they might still love the game, but assistant coaches have to bust their ass for a few hundred thousand dollars a year. That's peanuts to guys like Rod Smith.

Dudes, i hate to admit it, but Bob here is right.

As much as i would like to see Rod come back as a receivers coach, or anything, more than likely he won't because he would b working almost as hard as he does now for the game and making like a tenth of wat he does now.

Most coordinators, coaches, and position coaches are all former players that didn't do much in their career or didn't even have a career. There are not going to b a lot of guys with pro bowl calibur careers who go on to become coaches after there playing days r done.

[ClevelandBronco]

There is nothing to indicate Rod Smith wants to be a coach at all.

Maybe not, but Blackjack Pizza spokesman can't be a realistic continuing gig. What have you heard about Rod's next move?

[watermock]

Really? It seems to me that the assistant coaches in the league right now that are former players didn't make enough scratch to retire on. They have to get jobs after football, so they go with what they're naturally qualified to do.

I could be wrong, but how much money did Charlie Joiner make over his career? He's been an assistant coach for 19 years now. Either he likes spending time away from his family, or he needs the money.

Your such an idiot. Did you ever realize that people might coach when they DON'T NEED THE MONEY? You think people like Shanahan, Vermiel, Parcells and Billichick NEED THE MONEY? You think John Madden NEEDS THE MONEY this year? Your a moron. They do it because they love the game. Include Gibbs in that. He won a Winston(now nextell) cup and still wanted to coach. Do you think he needed the money?

Noone said he was going to coach whatsoever. Or even wanted to. But I will tell you this...money won't be the motivator.

[ClevelandBronco]

Dudes, i hate to admit it, but Bob here is right.

Thanks for clearing up the future, BM4ever.

Another oracle.

[watermock]

Rod will do what Rod wants to do, and that's get a SB ring. Boob has highjacked his 1000th thread.

Most assistant coaches and head coaches have played in College and or Pro. Name one besides Bill Walsh.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Maybe he just wants to finally raise his kids. .

Yet another reason why some athletes forgo coaching.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Your such an idiot. Did you ever realize that people might coach when they DON'T NEED THE MONEY? You think people like Shanahan, Vermiel, Parcells and Billichick NEED THE MONEY? You think John Madden NEEDS THE MONEY this year? Your a moron. They do it because they love the game. Include Gibbs in that. He won a Winston(now nextell) cup and still wanted to coach. Do you think he needed the money?
.

You named all head coaches.

Do you think any of those head coaches would continue to be head coaches if they made $200,000 a year?

Head coaches are a different ballgame. I was only talking about assistant coaches.

[watermock]

You named all head coaches.

Do you think any of those head coaches would continue to be head coaches if they made $200,000 a year?

Head coaches are a different ballgame. I was only talking about assistant coaches.

How many head coaches were not assistant coaches first Boob?

[Bob's your Information Minister]

How many head coaches were not assistant coaches first Boob?
Why does it matter?

How many of those same head coaches earned gobs of money in the NFL? I can't think of one.

Marty was a scrub linebacker. Dick played some quarterback in college. Eric Mangina in New York never played a down of pro or college football in his life (guess I can be a head coach someday!).

[watermock]

How can you be so clueless. How do you know what Rod Smiths plans are at this point or even if he has lost his focus on the task at hand. Your an idiot.

My point was I don't think money WOULD be an issue. again, all a poster said was that he hoped Rod would come back as a coach because of the tone of the article. STFU.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

I don't. I'm just trying to think logically, and taking the evidence at hand. If that evidence changes in ten years time, as CO is predicting, I'll eat my crow.

[watermock]

God your an idiot. Your comparing apples to oranges. Money wouldn't be the motivator you dimwit. It would be keeping busy. He might become an announcer, he might coach, he might buy a lazy boy. WTF is wrong with you? He's still going to play Surtain like a rented mule.

[watermock]

I don't. I'm just trying to think logically, and taking the evidence at hand. If that evidence changes in ten years time, as CO is predicting, I'll eat my crow.

At least this time you gave yourself 10 years lead time to be proved a moron.

And who said he was going to be a coach anyway? A poster said that he wished he WOULD coach. There was no prediction at all. Your the one that made an assertion that he wouldn't.

[-Slap-]

Give it ten years. You will.

Believe it or not, some of these guys really do love the game and want to remain a part of it after their playing days are over.
Plus a lot of these guys piss away their money during their playing days. When you go from two million a year to zero and you still have child support payments to make, you start looking up job opportunities.

[SDBroncos]

Rod Smith is the man!

[watermock]

Plus a lot of these guys piss away their money during their playing days. When you go from two million a year to zero and you still have child support payments to make, you start looking up job opportunities.

Not sure if your not a member if this will play, but that's case in point about blowing or smoking guess, away millions.

http://www.bangcartoon.com/cartoons/index.cfm/fa/viewcartoon/cartoon/2006Archive|ricky.swf

http://www.bangcartoon.com/cartoons/index.cfm/fa/viewcartoon/cartoon/2006Archive|wonderlic.swf

Looks like Bang changed the site so you can't link cartoons anymore.

[Teddman]

Rod Smith is the man!

Well said! I think this is the reason this whole thread was started. Not to debate whether or not he will coach someday.

[crazyhorse]

Why is this big-money generation different than the last big-money generation?

It just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. Sure they might still love the game, but assistant coaches have to bust their ass for a few hundred thousand dollars a year. That's peanuts to guys like Rod Smith.

Realize that there are literally hundreds of players who have made great money in thier carreers go on to be television commentators. To a man, those players would likely love the prospect of returning to football in a coaching capacity.

The NFL coaching ranks are dominated by ex-players. Some great, some not so great. How you come to the conclusion that players wouldn't want to be coaches seems a bit naive.

You did have one valid point however, Rod's old alright.

[elsid13]

Nice article. We are really lucky to have someone like Rod on the team. He is one of those bridge players that teaches the young ones what it means to be pro, and to forgot all that bling bling crap.

PS - Someone tell bobo that Mike Singletary and Jack De Rio made really good money, but started as assistant coaches and worked their way up. And Rodney Harrison and Ted Washington both spent time in NFLE to prepared to become NFL coaches after their playing days were up.

[BroncoSoja]

Dudes, i hate to admit it, but Bob here is right.

As much as i would like to see Rod come back as a receivers coach, or anything, more than likely he won't because he would b working almost as hard as he does now for the game and making like a tenth of wat he does now.

Most coordinators, coaches, and position coaches are all former players that didn't do much in their career or didn't even have a career. There are not going to b a lot of guys with pro bowl calibur careers who go on to become coaches after there playing days r done.


Personally Rod doesnt strike me as the type of person that plays this game only for the money. He seems to just really enjoy playing Pro football and probably would be one of those "I would play this game for free" types.

This guy just has so much to give to the game I just dont see it ending after his playing days are done. He reminds me of a Mike Singletary, and make no mistake about it that if he wants to persue a coaching career im sure there are dozens of Head coaches that have been sitting back and taking note or Mr. Smith over the years.

[Conklin]

I love that man. What a great article. Who wrote it? Do you have a link?

here's your link
http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?t=44636&highlight=rod+smith+leading

[cutthemdown]

He's old, alright.
Yeah but your qb is old and about done.

[Odysseus]

I have a great and sincere appreciation for Rod and look forward to seeing him put up solid numbers this year.

[BlaK-Argentina]

There's no player I respect more than Rod. Any team would be really lucky to have a guy like him.

I am really glad I got to see him play.

[RhymesayersDU]

Realize that there are literally hundreds of players who have made great money in thier carreers go on to be television commentators. To a man, those players would likely love the prospect of returning to football in a coaching capacity.

The NFL coaching ranks are dominated by ex-players. Some great, some not so great. How you come to the conclusion that players wouldn't want to be coaches seems a bit naive.

You did have one valid point however, Rod's old alright.
Crazy beat me to it. Why is Dan Marino or Shannon Sharpe working on CBS NFL Today or whatever it's called? Not for the money. They want to talk football, or maybe want to explore other options for their life after football, and perhaps TV/acting is part of that. But it ain't for the money, that's for sure.

So I don't see why it's so unfathomable that a guy might want to stick around the game as a teacher.

[DenverBrit]

Rod Smith is all about class, hard work, leadership and winning. We have been fortunate to watch the career of this great receiver here in Denver. He belongs in the HOF, if only to represent what an NFL player should be all about.

Bob, you won't understand this, because Rod's career isn't all about stats......though the ones he owns make him a one-of-a-kind. As for being old? Watch him school your D backs again this year, just like he has always done.

There isn't a better team player in the league. Coaching? Don't count him out, he is famously a tightwad, so he probably has more money than he will ever spend in his lifetime. His love of the game and the Broncos makes it a real possiblity.

[Popps]

I'm going to hate to see him retire. That's going to be a tough one.

[Rock Chalk]

Thanks for clearing up the future, BM4ever.

Another oracle.
Whats the last star that you know of that became an assistant coach?

Rod has other business ventures and he is a very intelligent businessman. Like Steve Largent, expect Rod to rather go the route of making his business more successful after his football career. Like Largent, he has the smarts and the resources to be a very successful businessman.

But he wont be able to coach and continue his business which, on numerous occassions, he has mentioned in great detail.

There has never been any indication whatsoever from Rod Smith that he would like to return to the organization as an assistant coach in any manner. Nor has there even been the slightest indication that he might be interested in ANY aspect of the organization after he retires.

It'd be nice if he was, but its highly unlikely.

[Atlas]

Great article!! Rod might play until he is 40 but he'll never coach unless it's just a partime thing. Rod has business interests. Why would he want to be an assistent working 100 hours a week and making $300,000 when he can make much more than that and work much fewer hours.

[elsid13]

Whats the last star that you know of that became an assistant coach?



Michael Singletary

2003, LineBacker Coach for the Baltimore Ravens
2004 San Francisco 49ers as assistant head coach and linebackers coach.

[tnedator]

I love that man. What a great article. Who wrote it? Do you have a link?

Yea, when I read it a few days ago, I posted it over on Mania. It was ironic. The same day I read this, there was a post over there asking which "entertaining" player you like most, with choices like TO, Chad Johnson, etc.

I pointed out the difference in how Rod approaches the game compared to these trash talking 'entertainers'.