Why Rod Smith Should Be In The Hall of Fame

I remember watching a sports show years ago, as a matter of fact, it was the year Rod retired. At the end of the segment, they briefly acknowledged his retirement, questioning whether he's a Ring of Famer-- he was inducted in the Broncos Ring of Fame in 2012-- or a Hall of Famer. They chose "Ring of Fame." Initially, I agreed with this answer, thinking that he was a solid receiver, but not a Hall of Famer.

Then, after paying closer attention to his numbers and accomplishments recently, I believe Rod Smith is indeed a Hall of Famer. An undrafted free agent in 1994-- I watched Rod for years; I had no idea he was an undrafted free agent-- he played his entire career in Denver, which is not a factor in my claim, but that's difficult to do in the free agency era.

He's the Broncos all-time leader in receptions (849), yards (11,389), and touchdowns (68). He currently holds 11 franchise records, along with the aforementioned, including the most receptions in a season (113 in '01), most yards from scrimmage (11,737), all-purpose yards (12,488), and total touchdowns (71). He produced 1,000+ yard seasons in eight of his thirteen years in the league.

He is the first undrafted player to reach 10,000 yards; his franchise records for receiving yards and touchdown receptions are currently the most by an undrafted player in NFL history. His career receptions are the second most by an undrafted player. Only Wes Welker, who played for Denver for a few seasons, has more receptions by an undrafted FA.

He's only the sixth player in NFL history to have 100 career receptions against at least three teams. They were the Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, and the Oakland Raiders-- all AFC West opponents! The opponents aren't a factor either, just taking a jab at the Broncos' division rivals and their fans. He's a two-time Super Bowl champion, three-time Pro Bowler, and a two-time first-team All-Pro selection.

He's currently in the top 40 for all-time career receptions and receiving yards, ranking 27th and 31st respectively. The Broncos seem to have a penchant for finding undrafted gems, and Rod Smith was no different. He is one of the most underrated receivers I've ever watched. In closing, I've stated my case for why Rod Smith should be in the Hall of Fame. The numbers speak for themselves.

Mile High Salute: Terrell Davis

A blog about Denver Broncos legendary running back Terrell Davis is in order. I was so caught up in the draft and its prospects, this one briefly got lost in the shuffle. There's NO WAY I can launch a  Denver Broncos blog without acknowledging one of the best RBs in NFL history. Yes, Elway carried the team on his shoulders for years, but Terrell Davis was the one who finally got them over the (Super Bowl) hump.

Drafted in the sixth round out of Georgia in 1995, Terrell started off on special teams. During the pre-season that year, his play as a running back impressed Coach (Mike) Shanahan so much, that he became the Broncos starter at the position and never looked back. It turned out to be perhaps the best decision Shanahan made; Terrell rushed for 1,117 yards as a rookie that season.

By his second year, he rushed for 1,538 yards and won Offensive Player of the Year. The following year, he topped his career high once again, rushing for 1,750 yards, and was a major component to the Broncos winning their first Super Bowl title (their fourth appearance at the time), which he won the Super Bowl MVP in a victory against the Packers.

 What's scary is that as astounding as those numbers are, he truly arrived in 1998. He rushed for 2,008 yards-- a feat that has been accomplished by only six other running backs in NFL history-- winning the NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. The Broncos coasted to their second straight Super Bowl championship through Terrell's two feet in a victory over the Falcons.

From here, his career was unfortunately cut short by multiple injuries. The following season, he played in only four games after tearing his ACL and MCL in his right knee. The next season, he played in only five games (started four), due to a stress reaction injury in his lower leg. In 2001, he played half the season (eight games) the most since his monster league MVP season, but was sidelined the remaining half due to arthroscopic surgery on both knees. He retired the following year.

Terrell (aka "T.D.") finished his phenomenal, yet short career as the Broncos all-time leading rusher with 7,607 yards. He was a league MVP, as well as a Super Bowl MVP, two time (back-to-back) Super Bowl champ, a member of the 2,000 rushing yards club,  a two time Offensive Player of the Year, and currently holds 46 franchise records.

His legacy was acknowledged, becoming a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year-- after eleven years of eligibility. FINALLY! One theory I have on what took the HOF committee of voters so long to induct him is because of his short career. For one, his career was short because of nagging injuries to his knees. It's difficult to walk, nevertheless, run with bad knees.

Another pitch I've always made is that there are players who had short careers in the NFL who are in the Hall of Fame. Yes, they may have been great, but they, nor some players with longer careers in the HOF, have accomplished what T.D. was able to accomplish in seven seasons.

He great as he was, I can only imagine the kind of career he would've had, if it weren't for the injuries that plagued him later in his career. Who knows? He might have eventually become the NFL's all-time leading rusher. I show my appreciation to the man who became the missing piece to the Broncos puzzle for winning a championship; the man who made Elway's life a whole lot easier. His Hall of Fame nod is well deserved and long overdue. Terrell "T.D." Davis, I Mile High Salute you!