There's no quit in Rod Smith, but this still looks like the end

[dragondawg]

By Mark Kiszla
Denver Post Staff Columnist

Rod Smith limps as defiantly as any 37-year-old football player can.

On the eve of his 14th training camp with the Broncos, however, it is time to ask the toughest football question of the season:

Has Smith caught his last pass for Denver?

Inquire if the obvious pain endured since hip surgery in February has caused him to contemplate retirement, and Smith stares a hole through his doubter.

Think about quitting, Smith insists, and you're already gone.

It might be foolish to write off a competitor so stubborn he believed an undrafted NFL player could one day own 849 catches for 11,389 yards and 68 touchdowns, all team records.

But goodbye seems closer for Smith than anybody on the team would like to admit.

Football often humbles even great athletes to depart the game awkwardly. Or have you forgotten how Jerry Rice ran that painfully slow out pattern with the Broncos?

Age has robbed Smith of most everything except his pride. Anyone with a heart admires his warrior spirit, but that fine appreciation doesn't make it any easier to watch Smith hobble in a race against the clock on one bad leg, knowing he is weeks from being anywhere near ready to play football again.

Here's betting the Broncos have a better chance of making it to the Super Bowl this season than Smith has of making a meaningful contribution to the team.

Now, I sincerely hope the old, graying receiver proves me 100 percent wrong. Why?

For a moment, forget how much that Smith grabbing a pass in traffic on third down could help young quarterback Jay Cutler and the Broncos. Just seeing him strut around the Denver locker room, calling out the skeptics, would be priceless, because Smith performs the cranky act as endearingly as anybody since Redd Foxx portrayed Fred Sanford on television.

There are names on Denver jerseys from those Super Bowl years that are better known across the country, and I could argue a stronger case that linebacker Randy Gradishar, tight end Shannon Sharpe and maybe half a dozen other former Broncos should be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame ahead of Smith.

But, in a city where football is religion, Smith is one of the few Denver players who loves this team even more than Broncomaniacs do.

It was disheartening to witness Smith struggle to get separation on defensive backs last season, when he was forced to settle for a meager 512 receiving yards. If the mess of frayed cartilage and bone spurs that a surgeon found in his hip provided a reasonable excuse, it also must be noted that being 37 and physically unable to perform on the eve of training camp is not exactly reassuring progress.

As much as Mike Shanahan respects Smith, any NFL coach who makes personnel decisions based on sentiment should probably save the tears and the hankie for his own firing.

At this point, the best way for Smith to stick with the Broncos might be if neither Brandon Marshall nor Brandon Stokley proves to be a trustworthy option across from No. 1 receiver Javon Walker.

Smith readily admits that despite his brilliant career, it will be a fight merely to retain a roster spot, but insists he would have it no other way. His relentless work ethic and frightening competitiveness seem to have been born from fear of failure.

If it would require a football miracle for Smith to be in the starting lineup when the Broncos open the regular season against Buffalo, then it might be an even bigger shock for him to retire in 2007 unless he is pushed out the door.

There's no quit in Smith.

He has elevated stubborn to an art form.

Which will make watching Smith run his final routes for the Broncos an inspiration.

Or a reason to make your heart cry.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_6474364

[Blueflame]

Has Kiszla ever written a positive, upbeat article about the Broncos? ???

[maher_tyler]

Has Kiszla ever written a positive, upbeat article about the Broncos? ???

It's the truth!!

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Has Kiszla ever written a positive, upbeat article about the Broncos? ???What's wrong with this article? I'd much rather read what's actually happening than sugar-coated homerism.

[12th man]

Im not counting Rod out yet. If anyone can get through this injury it's Rod.

[RaiderH8r]

I agree with this part, "Now, I sincerely hope the old, graying receiver proves me 100 percent wrong. Why?

For a moment, forget how much that Smith grabbing a pass in traffic on third down could help young quarterback Jay Cutler and the Broncos. Just seeing him strut around the Denver locker room, calling out the skeptics, would be priceless, because Smith performs the cranky act as endearingly as anybody since Redd Foxx portrayed Fred Sanford on television."

Rod Smith is one of a rare breed of athlete that a fella can sit with his child, point and say, "That's how you play the game. That's the way to conduct yourself on and off the field. And that's the way you play 100% on every play in every game. That's what comes of hard work and self-confidence, sprinkled with a dash of defiance."

The idea of Rod Smith ever getting too old for the game is something I don't think I'll ever be OK with, despite how "true" it may be. I'd rather it be an unspoken understanding that he is getting older while holding out the utmost optimism that he will be back and able to contribute in a significant way. The day he hangs'em up will be the day the NFL loses a great player and role model...and I am usually loathe to view pro athletes as role models but Smith is, again, a rare breed of pro athlete.

[davidtkd]

I agree with this part, "Now, I sincerely hope the old, graying receiver proves me 100 percent wrong. Why?

For a moment, forget how much that Smith grabbing a pass in traffic on third down could help young quarterback Jay Cutler and the Broncos. Just seeing him strut around the Denver locker room, calling out the skeptics, would be priceless, because Smith performs the cranky act as endearingly as anybody since Redd Foxx portrayed Fred Sanford on television."

Rod Smith is one of a rare breed of athlete that a fella can sit with his child, point and say, "That's how you play the game. That's the way to conduct yourself on and off the field. And that's the way you play 100% on every play in every game. That's what comes of hard work and self-confidence, sprinkled with a dash of defiance."

The idea of Rod Smith ever getting too old for the game is something I don't think I'll ever be OK with, despite how "true" it may be. I'd rather it be an unspoken understanding that he is getting older while holding out the utmost optimism that he will be back and able to contribute in a significant way. The day he hangs'em up will be the day the NFL loses a great player and role model...and I am usually loathe to view pro athletes as role models but Smith is, again, a rare breed of pro athlete.

Well said! :thumbsup:

[broncosteven]

I wish Rod a speedy recovery.

[Florida_Bronco]

When he had this surgery, wasn't it known then that he wasn't going to be ready to go for training camp? That's how I remember it anyways. Now you got all these retards writing crap like this and everyone is all worried about it.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

When he had this surgery, wasn't it known then that he wasn't going to be ready to go for training camp? That's how I remember it anyways. Now you got all these retards writing crap like this and everyone is all worried about it.He had surgery in February and is still hobbling around. That's pretty indicative of his current physical condition.

He's completely out of football condition now and if he does heal and start running sometime this year, really can't be counted on to help the team.

"I know all my grinding over the years got me to that point, got me to the injury, and I'm OK with it," Smith said Tuesday. "I did all of the things I did and I've turned it into a pretty decent career. I wish it - well, I definitely plan on having it end better than me standing around watching.

[Florida_Bronco]

He had surgery in February and is still hobbling around. That's pretty indicative of his current physical condition.

He's completely out of football condition now and if he does heal and start running sometime this year, really can't be counted on to help the team.

And again, wasn't that expected when he had his surgery? I seem to recall them saying to not expect him to get back on the field into well into preseason.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

And again, wasn't that expected when he had his surgery? I seem to recall them saying to not expect him to get back on the field into well into preseason.The point being when a guy as old as he is, playing a speed position, breaks down from a major injury, the chances of recovering and playing again are minimal. He may get out on the field for some games this year but is it in the best interest of the team to take a roster spot from someone else just to let him do that?

[kamakazi_kal]

it could be true ......................but I say place a wood pole in the ground tie kizla to it, and that that F&^ker burn. Nobody gets down on my boy like that
:thought:

:believeit

[cmhargrove]

Rod should be looking at 10 weeks, not 2 days.

Put Rod on PUP, let him continue to rehab through training camp, preseason, and the first six games of the year. Bring him back then. The team owes him that, and he will contribute by being a very strong sideline presence. Look at the salary cuts he already took for the team, they owe him.
Also, there's no guarantee that someone else won't be hurt by week six (Marshall?), and if Rod is healthy by then, he would be our best option.

If Hixon stays on the team last year, Rod should stay this year. Cut David Terrell again, and cut Brian Clark (i'm not impressed with him yet) before kicking Rod out. If he still isn't healthy after 6 weeks, re-hire one of the guys you cut. Where else will Terrell and Clark go?

[Florida_Bronco]

The point being when a guy as old as he is, playing a speed position, breaks down from a major injury, the chances of recovering and playing again are minimal. He may get out on the field for some games this year but is it in the best interest of the team to take a roster spot from someone else just to let him do that?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't this surgery to remove scar tissue and other things that had been hampering him for years? Well logic says that once he is healed from the procedure, he should in better condition than he has been for awhile. Now obviously, father time still took his toll during those years, but I don't see why Rod can't have another 2 years or so of productive football.

Long story short, when he had this surgery they said it would be preseason before he was ready to go, so it appears he is still on schedule. This article here is nothing bu doom and gloom. I haven't seen him or anyone else say anything about Rod not being on schedule for recovery.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't this surgery to remove scar tissue and other things that had been hampering him for years?He had major hip surgery for degenerative damage, torn labrum and torn ligaments (bone spurs too I think). Listen to Smith himself talk and he knows it's a long shot if he plays again.

[Stormontheplains]

What's wrong with this article? I'd much rather read what's actually happening than sugar-coated homerism.

You can take your sugar-coated homerism and shove it so far up your ass it comes out as hair. Ban! Ban! Ban! Ban! Ban!thwack

[Bronco_Beerslug]

You can take your sugar-coated homerism and shove it so far up your ass it comes out as hair. Ban! Ban! Ban! Ban! Ban!thwackShouldn't you be working today Raincloudsontheprairie?

[telluride]

Let him coach.

[Drek]

He had major hip surgery for degenerative damage, torn labrum and torn ligaments (bone spurs too I think). Listen to Smith himself talk and he knows it's a long shot if he plays again.

When has he said that?

He had a hip debridement surgery, clearing away loose tissue and bone that was causing him pain. At the time everyone knew he probably wouldn't be ready for camp.

Do you really think Smith is sitting on his ass through all this? Scheffler broke his foot and is going to be out for a similar length of time, I'm sure he's hobbling worse than Smith right now, but he's used that opportunity to bulk up his upper body and said he expects to get his legs back in shape within a week or two of camp.

These guys aren't you or me. When they have an injury they work out every other part of their body while still doing rehab for the injured/operated on area. They've got a medical and conditioning staff that is full of elite talent with gigantic cash resources. At the time of the operation there wasn't a word from any of them that this might be a career ending procedure or cause him to miss significant time.

Do you really think Kisla's visual assessment of Smith limping carries more water?

I'll believe Rod is physically unable to perform this season when come opening day he's not on the active roster. His game isn't predicated on speed, its built on over a decade of perfect route running, hands of glue, and a complete lack of fear. I think he'll remind us all a lot more of the guy we watched earn a pro-bowl election in 2005 than the guy who scuffled in 2006.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

When has he said that?

He had a hip debridement surgery, clearing away loose tissue and bone that was causing him pain. At the time everyone knew he probably wouldn't be ready for camp.

Do you really think Smith is sitting on his ass through all this? Scheffler broke his foot and is going to be out for a similar length of time, I'm sure he's hobbling worse than Smith right now, but he's used that opportunity to bulk up his upper body and said he expects to get his legs back in shape within a week or two of camp.

These guys aren't you or me. When they have an injury they work out every other part of their body while still doing rehab for the injured/operated on area. They've got a medical and conditioning staff that is full of elite talent with gigantic cash resources. At the time of the operation there wasn't a word from any of them that this might be a career ending procedure or cause him to miss significant time.

Do you really think Kisla's visual assessment of Smith limping carries more water?

I'll believe Rod is physically unable to perform this season when come opening day he's not on the active roster. His game isn't predicated on speed, its built on over a decade of perfect route running, hands of glue, and a complete lack of fear. I think he'll remind us all a lot more of the guy we watched earn a pro-bowl election in 2005 than the guy who scuffled in 2006.

Smith said his sole objective is to return healthy at some point for the 2007 season and not rush reinjuring the hip again in his zeal to get back on the field.
"But I know I can't rush it, too, hurt it more, and then maybe that's it. You rush it, that's one of the possibilities, that I wreck the rest of my career. It's all about patience right now. If I can't do it, I'm not going to go out there and do it."

"As an athlete, you can take yourself too far . . . ," Smith said. "You can really damage yourself. It's not really a machine - it works like one, but it's not. There are parts in there that work together and need to function properly, and if you don't give them time, the ability to function properly, you're going to tear up something.
"And I can't afford that. I've played long enough and I think I've done enough good things and I've earned the respect of the staff here, they let me determine when I can come back."
"I know all my grinding over the years got me to that point, got me to the injury, and I'm OK with it," Smith said Tuesday. "I did all of the things I did and I've turned it into a pretty decent career. I wish it - well, I definitely plan on having it end better than me standing around watching.

..

[RkyMtnThunder]

No one wants to see Rod Smith get back on the field and have a glorious swan song more than me.

But I cant help but think the writing is on the wall......





I am actually relieved that he will go on the PUP list. Its not like he doesnt know the routes already, and it gives other guys an opportunity to have more reps and him more time to get right.

But in the same light - he needs to develop more chemistry with Cutler and thats not going to happen if he is not participating in OTAs.


For purely selfish Bronco homer fan desire - I want to see him come back.

But from a human standpoint - he has nothing left to prove and has made fans for life with his work ethic and commitment to the Broncos. If this is it for Rod, BRAVO to the man and wish him nothing but health and happiness the rest of his days

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Bob's your Prophet.

[orange 4 life]

screw kiztard and his article.

rod will be on the field for the opening drive of the '07 season, and knowing him and shanahan it wouldnt surprise me to see his number called 1st.

[Broncos_OTM]

bob needs to get out of his mommys basement and wish that he could carry rods jock

[Broncos_OTM]

I see it like this. anytime a guy is about at the end of his career the media usually lessens the blow by peices like this so when he is cut or retires its not a big shock... Al Wilson...

[orange 4 life]

Bob's your Prophet.

why is that?

you do know that kiszla is famous for two things:

1) being a moron
2) being negative

what a surprise that you and he would agree.

[listopencil]

Keep ****ing doubting Rod Smith. He will come back and bite you squarely in the ass.

[Fusionfrontman]

I wish Rod the best of luck and hopefully we can see him lining up across Walker and tear **** up the way we expect and have become used to seeing.
#80
I have faith

[Rock Chalk]

I was thinking.

You know, if we lose Smith - not saying I think we will - but if we did, we will have taken serious blow after serious blow this off season.

I think we had an OK offseason acquisition wise, but it will be no means makeup for the losses of Williams, Nash, Wilson and Smith. Williams and Nash more so for their tragic deaths, but Wilson adn Smith because they were both vocal, well loved leaders on each side of the ball.

It's good that we have a lot of you talent that will hopefully all work out, or most anyway, but its never easy when a team loses well loved, career player who played outstanding football for you.

I hope ROd the best, and would rather see him playing than not, but if HE decides to hang em up, then I will salute one of my all time favorite Broncos for a fantastic career and some of the best memories of my football life.

[HEAV]

The old man has nothing left to prove. He's got rings,stats and money. This is a vicious sport.

It's better to get out with a slight limp.

Rod was special player. Not many have his work ethic!

[JPEZ]

Rod was special player. Not many have his work ethic!

Can you say, Coach Rod Smith!! :thumbsup:

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Can you say, Coach Rod Smith!! :thumbsup:

Coach Rod Smith.

Now what?

[Inkana7]

Coach Rod Smith.

Now what?

Now I see why you have 18,000 posts.

[JPEZ]

Coach Rod Smith.

Now what?

Hey Boob-zilla!! How are ya!? :wiggle:

[Drek]

Quote:
Smith said his sole objective is to return healthy at some point for the 2007 season and not rush reinjuring the hip again in his zeal to get back on the field.
Quote:
"But I know I can't rush it, too, hurt it more, and then maybe that's it. You rush it, that's one of the possibilities, that I wreck the rest of my career. It's all about patience right now. If I can't do it, I'm not going to go out there and do it."
Quote:
"As an athlete, you can take yourself too far . . . ," Smith said. "You can really damage yourself. It's not really a machine - it works like one, but it's not. There are parts in there that work together and need to function properly, and if you don't give them time, the ability to function properly, you're going to tear up something.
Quote:
"And I can't afford that. I've played long enough and I think I've done enough good things and I've earned the respect of the staff here, they let me determine when I can come back."
Quote:
"I know all my grinding over the years got me to that point, got me to the injury, and I'm OK with it," Smith said Tuesday. "I did all of the things I did and I've turned it into a pretty decent career. I wish it - well, I definitely plan on having it end better than me standing around watching.

..

So a munch of responses to press about not wanting to rush it equals him being toast? He's right, at his age if he rushes it and misses a season or needs to go back under the knife he probably is done, but no where in there does he say "I hope I can make it back, but I might not" or anything to that effect.

The fact that he refers to not rushing it because if he did it might wreck the rest of his career is a pretty clear indication that the medical staff, people who know way more than we do about this, have told him that baring any major set backs he should be able to play again.

This is just a lot of doom and gloom bull**** cooked up by beat writers desperate for a story. Its way to damn far off to start speculating on Rod missing regular season games this year, let alone hanging it up for good. Talk about the ultimate knee jerk reaction.

[BroncsRule]

PUP PUP PUP PUP!!

It's a no-brainer. PUP buys Rod an extra 75 days.

Looks like he needs 'em.

He has certainly earned the right.

The deternination cannot and will not be made until he is fully healed. If AT THAT TIME he cannot run & cut at an elite level, then he will no longer have any place on the field.

Or the team.

Unless he would choose to stay on as a position coach.

He's earned that right as well.