July 24, 2008 As expected, Rod Smith has retired from the NFL, according to the AP. Coach Mike Shanahan said, "People ask me should Rod be in the Hall of Fame. You’re darn right he should be. He put as much pride in blocking for the running backs than he did catching the football. I’m just so proud to have a guy like this that I hope is with the organization for a long time.”
Our View:He spent all 12 seasons of his career with the Broncos, and holds franchise records in receptions (849) receiving yards (11,389) and touchdown catches (68). He battled a hip problem in 2007, which led to his decision to end his career.
July 23, 2008 Veteran Denver receiver Rod Smith has scheduled a press conference for Thursday with reports indicating he will announce his retirement from the NFL, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
Our View:Smith's agent, Jack Mills, confirmed the event but declined to give details. Team spokesman Jim Saccomano said he wasn't aware of the press conference. Smith, 38, has been on the reserve/retired list since February and has had two hip operations in the last year. He's the franchise's career leader in every major receiving category.
February 15, 2008 Rod Smith has been placed on the reserve/retired list by the Denver Broncos, according to the Denver Post. Smith, who will turn 38 in May, is the team’s career leader in receptions (849), yards (11,389) and receiving touchdowns (68). He has had major issues with his hip since 2006, and despite holding out hope to play again, is likely to retire when all is said and done.
January 4, 2008 Rod Smith will undergo left hip surgery on Tuesday. It will be his second operation on the joint within the past 11 months. Back in February, doctors performed a microfracture operation and found a torn labrum, torn cartilage, bone spurs, and arthritis. Smith is expected to retire, the Denver Post reports.
December 28, 2007 Rod Smith's ailing hip, which he had surgery on in February and has kept him out all year, has not healed well and he will need an additional surgery. According to Smith, his hip hurts more than ever, and “it’s not healing at all.” The 37-year old Smith acknowledges the possibility that he may have played his last football game.
