Niemals war ein Receiver auf dem Platz so laut und so unwiderstehlich wie Steve Smith Sr. im Trikot der Carolina Panthers. Seine Mitspieler und seine Fans liebten ihn. Seine Gegner fürchteten ihn.
Hier sind fünf Gründe, warum einer der kleinsten Receiver in der Geschichte der NFL einer der größten Spieler seiner Zeit war:
1. Der Kleine mit der großen Klappe
Lediglich 1,75 Meter ist Steve Smith Sr. groß. Aber Trashtalk kann er wie kein Zweiter! Unzählige seiner direkten Gegenspieler mussten seine Sprüche jahrelang ertragen, wenn er auf dem Platz regelrecht wild geworden um jeden Zentimeter kämpfte – und sich niemals einschüchtern ließ. Was ihm an Körpergröße fehlte, machte er durch sein loses Mundwerk und enorm viel Selbstvertrauen wieder wett.
Wegen seiner Größe haben ihn viele Talentsucher unterschätzt. Trotzdem schaffte es der High-School-Leichtathlet und Footballstar über ein kleines Community College an die University of Utah und von dort in die NFL. Aber auch in Carolina durfte er anfangs meist nur als Punt- und Kick-Returner ran. Der untersetzte Receiver setzte sich trotzdem durch – und wurde wegen seiner Leistung und seinem großen Mundwerk zur Panthers-Receiver-Legende.
2. Bester Panthers-Receiver aller Zeiten
In elf NFL-Spielzeiten erzielte Steve Smith Sr. positionsübergreifend (als Receiver, Runner und Returner) mehr als 1.000 Yards. In vier seiner ersten fünf Profijahre waren es sogar über 1.900 Yards. Er führt in Carolinas Datenbank mit 67 gefangenen Touchdowns, 836 Receptions und 12.197 Yards die drei wichtigsten Receiving-Kategorien an. Im Schnitt sorgte Smith Sr. zwischen 2001 und 2013 für einen Raumgewinn von 14,6 Yards pro gefangenem Ball! Zum Vergleich: Der vielleicht beste NFL-Receiver aller Zeiten, Jerry Rice, liegt nur knapp darüber bei 14,8.
Aber was will man auch anderes erwarten, von einem Spieler, der mit seiner allerersten Ballberührung in der NFL gleich einen Return-Touchdown erzielte – und die Panthers ein paar Jahre später erstmals in den Super Bowl führte.
3. Bodenständig und unverwüstlich
Wenn die Panthers-Legende in seiner Heimatstadt Los Angeles zu Besuch ist, fährt er jedes mal zum gleichen mexikanischen Fastfood-Laden! Allerdings nicht, um hier, an der Ecke Pico Boulevard und Bundy Drive, einen Burrito zu genießen. Er fährt dorthin, um sich daran zu erinnern, wie motiviert er war, als er in seiner Teenagerzeit für 5,75 Dollar pro Stunde an der Kasse stand, den Parkplatz fegte und die Böden schrubbte.
Weniger dreckig, aber genauso legendär war seine vorletzte College-Saison in Utah: 10 Wochen lang spielte er mit einem gebrochenen Wirbel. Seine Chance, weiter Football zu spielen, soll damals grad mal bei 50 Prozent gelegen haben. Trotzdem hat ihn auch diese Horrorverletzung nie aus der Bahn geworfen.
4. Einsatz für den guten Zweck
Zusammen mit der Organisation "Samaritan's Feet" und mit der Unterstützung seiner Familie hatte Charity-Arbeit für Steve Smith Sr. schon während seiner aktiven Karriere eine enorme Bedeutung. Sein großes Ziel war es, eine halbe Million Paar Schuhe für Obdachlose zu sammeln. Bei diversen Schuhausgaben war er selbst vor Ort und wusch mit seinen bloßen Händen die Füße der Notleidenden. Und dabei ging es ihm nie ums Rampenlicht, sondern immer um die gute Sache.
Seit 2013 setzt sich die NFL-Legende zusammen mit seiner Frau Angie mithilfe der Steve Smith Family Foundation für Wohlbefinden bedürftiger Menschen ein. Die Stiftung konzentriert sich auf die Sensibilisierung und Prävention von häuslicher Gewalt sowie auf die Gesundheit von unterversorgten Familien und Gemeinden. Teil der Stiftung ist auch eine angeschlossene Klinik. Was ein Ehrenmann!
5. Mega-Comeback-Saison 2005
Ein absolute Horrorzeit durchlebte der Receiver 2004. Erst verlor er im Super Bowl gegen die Patriots (29:32). Dann brach er sich zum Start in die darauffolgende Saison sein Bein im Auftaktspiel gegen die Packers. Die Verletzung war so schwerwiegend, dass er monatelang ausfiel. Der Unverwüstliche kämpfte sich zurück auf den Platz und spielte 2005 seine wahrscheinlich beste Spielzeit überhaupt. Am Ende der Saison führte er die NFL
in Receptions (103), gefangenen Yards (1.563) und gefangenen Touchdowns (12) an – und sicherte sich die sogenannte "Triple Crown", die Receiver erhalten, wenn sie am Ende der Saison diese drei Statistiken anführen.
A look at some of the best pictures of Steve Smith Sr. during his career with the Panthers.
Smith spins the ball after picking up a first down against the Oakland Raiders.
Smith sprints past Saints defenders in the home opener.
Smith leaps over a defender for a touchdown grab against the Washington Redskins.
Smith gets fired up after a first-down catch against Tampa Bay.
Smith exits the tunnel prior to kickoff against the Denver Broncos.
FILE In this Dec. 2, 2007 file photo, Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) reacts after making a catch during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in NFL football game action in Charlotte, N.C. The Panthers' star receiver praised the free-agent signing of Muhsin Muhammad on Monday April 21, 2008, then delivered harsh words for teammate Dwayne Jarrett whose disappointing rookie season was followed by an offseason charge of driving while impaired. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) and Muhsin Muhammad (87) walk off the field after their 33-13 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL divisional playoff football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) heads for the end zone leaving Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) in his wake in the second quarter during their NFL football game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. The touchdown was reversed on a challenge by the Giants. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith runs the ball during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith is shown prior to an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Charlotte, NC, Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
FILE - In this Sept. 22, 2013, file photo, Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) runs after a catch against New York Giants' Prince Amukamara (20) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. Smith, a free agent, signed a three-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens on Friday, March 14, 2014. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone, File)
FILE - In this Oct. 13, 2013 file photo, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith crosses his arms after a touchdown catch against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half of an NFL football game in Minneapolis. The agent for Smith says the five-time Pro Bowl selection has played his final snap for the Panthers. Smith's longtime representative Derrick Fox told The Associated Press on Wednesday, March 12, 2014, that Smith "is not going to play for the Panthers next year, I know that. I just don't know when that transaction is going to take place." (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt, File)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) makes a touchdown reception against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tarell Brown (25)during the first half of a divisional playoff NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) catches a touchdown pass against Seattle Seahawks' K.J. Wright (50) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) smiles after making a catch in front of San Francisco 49ers safety Donte Whitner (31) during the third quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) reacts after a catch against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith, left, runs past Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Gerald McCoy (93) in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) is knocked out of bounds by New England Patriots' Aqib Talib (31) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) runs past St. Louis Rams' Janoris Jenkins (21) for a touchdown after a catch in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) reacts after a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) reacts during player introductions prior to an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Charlotte, NC Sunday, Nov. 3, 2013. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) reaches in vain for a catch as Oakland Raiders' Michael Huff (24) defends during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) reacts during player introductions before the start of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec.1, 2013. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) catches a touchdown pass against Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Wilson (26) during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
FILE - In this Dec. 9, 2012, file photo, Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) runs after a catch as Atlanta Falcons' Thomas DeCoud (28) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. Smith has reached the ranks of the elite receivers ever to play the game. But does the 33-year-old Smith stand a chance at becoming the first Carolina Panther to enter the Hall of Fame when he retires or does he need to continue to add numbers? (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt, File)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith cuts behind a block after catching a ,pass against the San Diego Chargers during the second half of a NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) on the sidelines against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011. The Panthers won 48-16. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) stiff-arms New York Giants safety Antrel Rolle (26) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. The Giants won 36-7. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) catches a touchdown pass while covered by Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Neiko Thorpe (38) during the first half of an NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) reacts after his touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) celebrates his touchdown reception in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Sunday , Nov. 20, 2011. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) reacts to a completed pass during an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) runs for a first down during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) autographs a football for a young fan prior to an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov.13, 2011. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) runs after a catch against the Detroit Lions in the third quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith takes the field before an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) catches a pass during an NFL football game Green Bay Packers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) it tackled by Detroit Lions corner back Eric Wright, right, and cornerback Chris Houston, left, an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday , Nov. 20, 2011. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers (90) and Steve Smith (89) shown before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) celebrates after his touchdown catch from quarterback Cam Newton against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, in Glendale, Ariz. It was Newton's first career touchdown pass. Cardinals' Adrian Wilson (24) looks on. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) hauls in a pass as Arizona Cardinals defensive back Kerry Rhodes defends during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, in Glendale, Ariz. The Cardinals won 28-21. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith displays his gloves prior to an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, in Glendale, Ariz. Sunday was the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) is shown before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith give a fan a football and his gloves prior to an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) hangs on to the ball for a touchdown as he is brought down by New England Patriots cornerback Shawn Springs (29) during their NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday afternoon, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)
Carolina Panthers' Jake Delhomme, left, and Steve Smith walk together after a touchdown in the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Washington Redskins on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008 in Charlotte, N.C. Carolina defeated Washington 47-3. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith celebrates a touchdown during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 19, 2008. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
