Dear Steve,
I first want to start off and say thank you for bringing your love and passion to the game of football and letting that transcend to many fans, including myself. It all started back in 2001 when you got drafted by the Carolina Panthers. Not much was known about you other than a few scouting reports saying you were too small at 5'9″ for the game of football and would not be much more than a special teams guy. Soon, the whole NFL would know that your height didn't matter to you.
Back in 2001, I was not really old enough to comprehend sports, but I started hearing more and more about you as time went on. When the Panthers went to their first Super Bowl back in the 2003-2004 season, I vaguely remember the game since I was only 8 years old, but I remember the buzz in and around the Carolina's. After having your first 1,000 yard season, people started to think you were a breakout star
Sadly, your 2004 season came to an end after you broke your leg. But as we all know, Steve Smith was back with a vengeance for the 2005 season, winning the triple crown for receivers.
The 2005 season seemed to define Steve Smith as a player. Achieving the triple crown of receiving in only his fifth year, many people had high hopes and big dreams for the Panthers and Smith. Sadly, the Panthers never achieved that oh-so-desired Super Bowl ring or even another appearance after 2003 (until Smith left). But, one thing for sure is that you were a fan favorite. Everyone would fill the stands to watch you every Sunday in Bank of America Stadium.
Smith's career has not always been the best. Back in 2008, Smith had a fight with teammate Ken Lucas that got Steve suspended by the team. Many NFL fans began to think Smith was a fighter and not a team player.
Since then, Smith has been all about improving his image, on and off the field, doing a lot of charity work with his charity that fights domestic violence. Although people still bring this incident up nearly a decade later, they should focus on what good Smith has done in his community since.
I understood this when I met you. Back in 2014, I decided to train and run my first ever 5k because of you. I achieved my goal of doing it and I finally got to meet you. Although it was a brief talk, I could tell you're a much better man than what the media portrays you as. I hope you continue to do great things in the Charlotte and Baltimore communities even after you retire from football.
Smith's career seemed to be coming to a fast and abrupt close after the 2010 season. He posted the worst receiving stat line since his rookie year and things in Carolina seemed to be falling apart, fast.
Coming off a 2-14 season, the Panthers didn't know where to turn. With the first pick in the upcoming draft, they knew they had to take their future QB, and they did with Cam Newton.
After Newton was drafted, Smith revived his career as a Panther. He posted two straight 1,000 yard seasons, solidifying himself as an all-time Panther great. Smith took a small drop-off in the 2013 season, but the Panthers had their best record under Newton since they drafted him at 12-4. The city had a buzz around it not seen since the 2003 Super Bowl run. They had a rising star at QB and a great and young defense led by Luke Kuechly.
Sadly, the season came to an end against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional round. Steve Smith was the vintage Steve Smith we know, catching the only touchdown for the Panthers in that game on a sore knee.
I was at the 49ers game, holding out hope while watching the great Steve Smith. But what the 70,000+ fans in the stands and the million others watching at home didn't know was that this would be your last game in a Panthers uniform.
March 13th, 2014, an eerie feeling fell over the Carolina's. Our beloved receiver had been released by the Panthers. A guy who has been with us through the thick and thin, good and bad. I felt sad and anger as my favorite Panther of all-time would no longer be with us. I also felt guilty because I knew I did not appreciate you enough when you were here. Nobody did.
Since that day, I appreciate you even more and love to watch you play. Even though you play for the Baltimore Ravens, my love for you has not dwindled. But my dreams of watching you walk into the sunset as a Panther may not come true. As a kid, I always dreamed of standing in the stands at Bank of America Stadium; smiling and feeling as proud as can be as you wave and thank us one more time before leaving the game. Although you will not be playing your last game in the NFL in a Panther uniform on Sunday, I hope that one day you can return to the Bank and we can give you that great standing ovation that you so deserve.
Maybe even one day your presence will be felt at Bank of America Stadium forever when you get a statue outside the stadium. I hope that one day I can bring my kids to see the statue and let them know that the Panthers are who they are today because of you. The grit, grind, and toughness you brought to the game of football will never be forgotten. You were truly the definition of football and a great example as a man throughout your NFL career.
Thank you Steve for making me love football as much as I do. Thank you for your undeniable courage and passion for the game of football. Thank you for all the laughs. Thank you for all the tears. Thank you for being you. I really wish you could come back one more year in a Panther uniform and make things right with the organization because I know you would like to, but some things we can only dream of. I respect your decision to leave on your own terms. I know one thing is for certain: the game of football will forever be grateful for you.
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