Thank You, Rod Smith

They don't make 'em like Rod anymore, do they?  A WR who keeps his mouth shut, blocks downfield, catches passes over the middle and just flat out plays football.  Rod would have been at home playing in any NFL era.  I could see the guy catching passes from anyone from Aaron Rodgers to Y.A. Tittle. But I couldn't be happier that this undrafted player from a D-II school ended up a Bronco for life. 

Rod Smith belongs in the Hall of Fame because of his character.  His stats and and rings will get him on the ballot.  But his character should put him in.  

I still remember Rod's first catch as a Bronco.  It was a 43 yard TD grab to beat the Redskins back in 1995.  He was single covered and ran a long post route.  He made a good catch and the TD beat the 'Skins and time expired.  What a way to set the tone for the rest of his career.

Thanks, Rod, for your work ethic.  Thanks for your dedication.  Thanks for your work in the community.  And, of course, thank you for the all the games you contributed as a Bronco.

Rod Smith belongs in the Hall of Fame.  No doubt about it.  All Rod wanted to do was win.  He didn't care about stats, he cared about winning.  He didn't care about running his mouth.  He cared about helping his teammates and being a mentor (are you listening, Brandon?).  He didn't care about his money.  He cared about seeing his name on his locker everyday he went to work.  No other undrafted player in the history of the NFL accomplished what Rod has accomplished.  Shanahan himself said he never met or coached a player who cared more about winning and less about personal goals than Rod Smith. 

In the ultimate team sport, Rod is the ultimate team player.  His stats and rings will get him on the ballot in five years.  And his dedication, attitude, community work and character will get him in the Hall. 

Thank you, Rod Smith.