Broncos' Smith says hip is better, but he appears done - The Orange Mane

dragondawg · 06-04-2008, 02:06 AM

By FRANK SCHWAB
THE GAZETTE

ENGLEWOOD • Almost 4 months after he went on the reserve/retired list and 17 months since his last game, Denver Broncos receiver Rod Smith can't bring himself to announce his retirement.

Smith was at the team's facility Tuesday, offering tips to some of the receivers after a minicamp practice. He had a second hip surgery this year, and the Broncos put him on the reserve/retired list as a salary cap move.

Smith, 38, can petition for reinstatement if he wants to return, but the chances of Denver's all-time leading receiver playing again appear incredibly slim.

"You can't slam the door on your opportunity when you still have a chance for it to be open," Smith said. "You can't just close the door on that. When it's time to close the door, trust me, I'm going to close it and wish the Broncos the best."

Smith said his hip is feeling better.

He can shoot baskets, run and go about his everyday life without pain - none of which he could do last year.He acknowledged that he would have a long way to go to get into football shape.

Barring a miraculous comeback on the field, Smith could return in another role.

He said he hasn't been approached by coach Mike Shanahan or owner Pat Bowlen with a job offer after his playing career, but Smith said he would be open to the possibility.

"I love the Denver Broncos, I love the organization," he said. "So ain't nothing I wouldn't do to help, whether it's on the field or off the field."

Full-time coaching appears out of the question because Smith has said he doesn't want to work the long hours. But the team could use his leadership and experience in some capacity, perhaps as a consultant.

"Even if it's just one or two times being out here, his knowledge is so valuable you have to take advantage of that," receiver Keary Colbert said.

http://www.gazette.com/sports/hip_36...ears_says.html

FireFly · 06-04-2008, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragondawg

"You can't slam the door on your opportunity when you still have a chance for it to be open," Smith said. "You can't just close the door on that. When it's time to close the door, trust me, I'm going to close it and wish the Broncos the best."

Sounds like he'd be more than willing to strap on the boots again if he was invited. Perhaps even waiting (hoping?) for an invite? Maybe not. Maybe he's just been quoted in such a way that it reads that way to me.

I hope he does come on board in some capacity. I think his experience would make him a great coach/mentor/consultant

Fusionfrontman · 06-04-2008, 10:31 AM

Agreed! In the least bit, his knowledge of the game is valuable for the younger guys. I'd love to see him get one more shot at making it back.

socalorado · 06-04-2008, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fusionfrontman

Agreed! In the least bit, his knowledge of the game is valuable for the younger guys. I'd love to see him get one more shot at making it back.

I'd love to just see him as a coach. Good enough for me. Face it, his days as a player are over, but if he can use that knowledge to coach, hell yeah!

DomCasual · 06-04-2008, 10:47 AM

Didn't he say at one point that there was no way he'd subject himself to the hours a coach has to go through? It sounds like he's having a hard time walking away - which would be great for the Broncos.

Man, I would LOVE to keep him around.

Punisher · 06-04-2008, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DomCasual

Didn't he say at one point that there was no way he'd subject himself to the hours a coach has to go through? It sounds like he's having a hard time walking away - which would be great for the Broncos.

Man, I would LOVE to keep him around.

Same here; we should make him a ST Coach

bronco militia · 06-04-2008, 11:05 AM

Full-time coaching appears out of the question because Smith has said he doesn't want to work the long hours. But the team could use his leadership and experience in some capacity, perhaps as a consultant.

Conklin · 06-04-2008, 11:34 AM

He'll be in town anytime now here in missouri, i'll for sure see him friday, if conversation goes in that direction, i'll post what he says

Bladerunner · 06-04-2008, 11:39 AM

lol...some of you folk exert so much effort reading between the lines that you neglect reading what is written...

he doesn't want to be a full-time coach...said so before...is restated here

maybe he can help out the OTAs and training camp though...that would be cool

TheReverend · 06-04-2008, 01:15 PM

It's refreshing to read that from Rod and good to know he's taking care of his health first.

It's an added bonus to read about players like Colbert taking full advantage of what he has to offer.

Bob's your Information Minister · 06-04-2008, 02:03 PM

Meck77 · 06-04-2008, 02:18 PM

He won a couple SB trophies with the Broncos Bob. I don't blame you for not paying attention though since you haven't had a reason to watch a superbowl in your lifetime.

Florida_Bronco · 06-04-2008, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meck77

He won a couple SB trophies with the Broncos Bob. I don't blame you for not paying attention though since you haven't had a reason to watch a superbowl in your lifetime.

Did Bob even live in this country when we won our Super Bowls?

montrose · 06-04-2008, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meck77

He won a couple SB trophies with the Broncos Bob. I don't blame you for not paying attention though since you haven't had a reason to watch a superbowl in your lifetime.

Also, if I'm not mistaken, I believe Rod's caught more passes on KC than any other WR in NFL history - I'll have to double check on that.

MechanicalBull · 06-04-2008, 05:38 PM

Here's a similar article from yahoo. I love how he is still showing up and teaching the receivers.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slu...v=ap&type=lgns

Quote:

Should his hip heal, Smith could be a nice bonus at wideout. If not, there’s always coaching.
“You can learn so much from him,” said receiver Brandon Stokley, who has dinner with Smith almost every week. “I’ve learned a lot.”
While the Broncos haven’t approached Smith with an official position, he’d be willing to listen.
But only after his playing days are officially over.
“I’m always open to anything,” he said. “I love the organization. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to help, whether it’s on the field or off the field. Anything I can do—even just sitting there and talking to some of the players.”
Colbert stayed late after practice Tuesday with a few other wideouts, listening to Smith’s impromptu class on Receiving 101. The topic of the day was how to gain added separation from a defensive back when a receiver comes out of his break.
“It’s a real advantage for me to have a guy like him around and help me be the best player I could be,” Colbert said. “The knowledge that he has is so valuable.”

RodInCanton · 06-04-2008, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MechanicalBull

Here's a similar article from yahoo. I love how he is still showing up and teaching the receivers.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slu...v=ap&type=lgns

The MAN!!!

BroncoMan4ever · 06-04-2008, 11:54 PM

I think Rod would be a great consultant to the young guys at any position on how to be the ultimate professional, team player and as an inspiration that shows the young guys anything is possible if you work your ass off for it.
Also he would be a great guy to give the WR help or advice in anything

thumpc · 06-05-2008, 03:39 AM

He's getting paid for this whole season, its a good opportunity to get him a taste of coaching and the front office.

Chris · 06-05-2008, 04:26 PM

He is the dude.

06-04-2008, 02:06 AM	#1
dragondawg All Pro Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,009	Broncos' Smith says hip is better, but he appears done By FRANK SCHWAB THE GAZETTE ENGLEWOOD • Almost 4 months after he went on the reserve/retired list and 17 months since his last game, Denver Broncos receiver Rod Smith can't bring himself to announce his retirement. Smith was at the team's facility Tuesday, offering tips to some of the receivers after a minicamp practice. He had a second hip surgery this year, and the Broncos put him on the reserve/retired list as a salary cap move. Smith, 38, can petition for reinstatement if he wants to return, but the chances of Denver's all-time leading receiver playing again appear incredibly slim. "You can't slam the door on your opportunity when you still have a chance for it to be open," Smith said. "You can't just close the door on that. When it's time to close the door, trust me, I'm going to close it and wish the Broncos the best." Smith said his hip is feeling better. He can shoot baskets, run and go about his everyday life without pain - none of which he could do last year.He acknowledged that he would have a long way to go to get into football shape. Barring a miraculous comeback on the field, Smith could return in another role. He said he hasn't been approached by coach Mike Shanahan or owner Pat Bowlen with a job offer after his playing career, but Smith said he would be open to the possibility. "I love the Denver Broncos, I love the organization," he said. "So ain't nothing I wouldn't do to help, whether it's on the field or off the field." Full-time coaching appears out of the question because Smith has said he doesn't want to work the long hours. But the team could use his leadership and experience in some capacity, perhaps as a consultant. "Even if it's just one or two times being out here, his knowledge is so valuable you have to take advantage of that," receiver Keary Colbert said. http://www.gazette.com/sports/hip_36...ears_says.html

06-04-2008, 02:03 PM	#11
Bob's your Information Minister Chiefs > Broncos Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 25,918 Adopt-a-Bronco: CHRIS KUPER!!!	Who?

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06-04-2008, 10:31 AM	#3
Fusionfrontman Perennial Pro-bowler Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 996	Agreed! In the least bit, his knowledge of the game is valuable for the younger guys. I'd love to see him get one more shot at making it back.

06-04-2008, 10:47 AM	#5
DomCasual The Dude abides. Shameless Homer Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Cocytus Posts: 13,167 Adopt-a-Bronco: Gus Frerotte	Didn't he say at one point that there was no way he'd subject himself to the hours a coach has to go through? It sounds like he's having a hard time walking away - which would be great for the Broncos. Man, I would LOVE to keep him around.

06-04-2008, 11:05 AM	#7
bronco militia Ring of Famer THE GREATEST Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: colorado springs, co Posts: 22,575	Full-time coaching appears out of the question because Smith has said he doesn't want to work the long hours. But the team could use his leadership and experience in some capacity, perhaps as a consultant.

06-04-2008, 11:34 AM	#8
Conklin Outrant, Outlose, Out2nd Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Kansas City, Misery Posts: 2,657	He'll be in town anytime now here in missouri, i'll for sure see him friday, if conversation goes in that direction, i'll post what he says

06-04-2008, 11:39 AM	#9
Bladerunner Ring of Famer ...Two weeks from everywhere! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: California Posts: 1,125 Adopt-a-Bronco: Willis McGahee	lol...some of you folk exert so much effort reading between the lines that you neglect reading what is written... he doesn't want to be a full-time coach...said so before...is restated here maybe he can help out the OTAs and training camp though...that would be cool

06-04-2008, 01:15 PM	#10
TheReverend www.PatrickTurley.org ^ buy this... twice Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 32,977 Adopt-a-Bronco: Mike Shanahan	It's refreshing to read that from Rod and good to know he's taking care of his health first. It's an added bonus to read about players like Colbert taking full advantage of what he has to offer.

06-04-2008, 02:18 PM	#12
Meck77 Ring of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 16,309	He won a couple SB trophies with the Broncos Bob. I don't blame you for not paying attention though since you haven't had a reason to watch a superbowl in your lifetime.

06-04-2008, 11:54 PM	#17
BroncoMan4ever Ring of Famer Here to chew bubblegum and kick ass Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 11,563 Adopt-a-Bronco: VIRGIL GREEN!!!	I think Rod would be a great consultant to the young guys at any position on how to be the ultimate professional, team player and as an inspiration that shows the young guys anything is possible if you work your ass off for it. Also he would be a great guy to give the WR help or advice in anything

06-05-2008, 03:39 AM	#18
thumpc Pro Bowler Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: The Future Posts: 745 Adopt-a-Bronco: Richard Quinn	He's getting paid for this whole season, its a good opportunity to get him a taste of coaching and the front office.

06-05-2008, 04:26 PM	#19
Chris Millenium Scrooge McDuck Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 7,498 Adopt-a-Bronco: OrlandoFranklin	He is the dude.