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26. Steve Smith Sr.

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Steve Smith is considered one of the most talented offensive players in the history of the Carolina Panthers. Over seven seasons as a Panther, he recorded more than 1,000 receiving yards. Smith's best season came in 2005, when he won the wide receiver "Triple Crown" by leading the NFL in Receptions, Receiving Yards, and Receiving Touchdowns.

Smith was a dynamic receiver with a fearless approach to route-running. He was not afraid to take on anyone, using his lightning speed to beat defenders and gain serious yards after a catch on underneath routes.

After finishing his pro career with three seasons as a Baltimore Raven, Smith accrued another 1,000-yard season. Statistically, he should get serious consideration, having finished his career 7th in All-Purpose Yards and Receiving Yards. Additionally, his five Pro Bowls and two First Team All-Pro Selections are impressive accolades.

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The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Saturday, 01 January 2022
  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Games Played: 219
  • Notable Statistics: 198 Games Started
    1,031 Receptions
    14,731 Receiving Yards
    81 Receiving Touchdowns
    57 Rushing Attempts
    387 Rushing Yards
    2 Rushing Touchdowns
    180 Punt Returns
    1,684 Punting Yards
    4 Punt Return Touchdowns
    98 Kick Returns
    2,371 Kick Return Yards
    2 Kick Return Touchdowns
    0 Pass Completions
    1 Pass Attempt
    139 Approximate Value

    11 Playoff Games
    11 Playoff Games Started
    59 Receptions
    1,001 Receiving Yards
    9 Receiving Touchdowns
    5 Rushing Attempts
    45 Rushing Yards
    1 Rushing Touchdown
    7 Punt Returns
    73 Punting Yards
    1 Punt Return Touchdown
    2 Kick Returns
    41 Kick Return Yards
  • Played For: Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers
  • College: Utah
  • Drafted: 3rd Round, 74th Overall in 2001
  • Major Accolades and Awards: Super Bowl Rings (None)
    First Team All-Pro Selection (2) (2001 & 2005)
    Second Team All-Pro Selection (1) (2008)
    Pro Bowl Selections (5) (2001, 2005, 2006, 2008 & 2011)
    AP Comeback Player of the Year (1) (2011)
    PFWA Comeback Player of the Year (1) (2011)
    All-Rookie (2001)
    Most Receptions (1) (2005)
    Most Receiving Yards (1) (2005)
    Most Receiving Touchdowns (1) (2005)
    Most Receiving Yards per Game (1) (2008)
    Most Yards per Touch (1) (2005)
    Most Punt Returns (1) (2002)
    Most Returns (1) (2001)
  • Other Points of Note: Top Ten Offensive Player of the Year Finishes:
    6th in 2008

    Finished 1st in 2005 & 4th in 2011 in Comeback Player of the Year Voting

    Top Ten Finishes: Approximate Value (1) (2005)
    Top Ten Finishes: Receptions (2) (2003 & 2005)
    Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Yards (4) (2005, 2006, 2008 & 2011)
    Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Touchdowns (2) (2005 & 2006)
    Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Yards per Game (4) (2005, 2006, 2008 & 2011)
    Top Ten Finishes: Touchdowns (1) (2005)
    Top Ten Finishes: Yards From Scrimmage (4) (2001, 2002, 2003 & 2005)
    Top Ten Finishes: Yards per Touch (1) (2005)
    Top Ten Finishes: Kick Returns (1) (2001)
    Top Ten Finishes: Kick Return Yards (1) (2001)
    Top Ten Finishes: Punt Returns (3) (2001, 2002 & 2003)
    Top Ten Finishes: Punt Return Yards (2) (2002 & 2003)
    Top Ten Finishes: Returns (2) (2001 & 2002)
    Top Ten Finishes: Return Yards (1) (2001)
  • Notable All Time Rankings: 8. Receiving Yards: 14,731
    9. All-Purpose Yards: 15,141
    14. Receptions: 1,031
    18. Yards per Touch: 13.9
    24. Yards from Scrimmage: 15,141
    34. Receiving Touchdowns: 81
    39. Receiving Yards per Game: 67.3
    44. Touchdowns: 89
    61. Punt Return Yards: 1,684
    62. Punt Returns: 180
    83. Returns: 278
  • Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: Finalist: 2025

    Semi-Finalist: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026

Should Steve Smith be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 75%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 15%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 5%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 5%
Last modified on Tuesday, 15 September 2026 06:11

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