Career Timeline of Steve Smith Sr.: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Steve Smith Sr., from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Steve Smith Sr. is a former NFL wide receiver and current sports broadcaster. He played 16 seasons, primarily for the Carolina Panthers, after being drafted in the third round in 2001. He also played for the Baltimore Ravens. Before his NFL career, Smith played college football at the University of Utah. Following his retirement from professional football, he transitioned to sports media, becoming an analyst and host for the NFL Network.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1990: Jerry Rice won the Triple Crown of receiving

In 1990, Jerry Rice won the Triple Crown of receiving.

1992: Sterling Sharpe won the Triple Crown of receiving

In 1992, Sterling Sharpe won the Triple Crown of receiving.

December 25, 2000: Played in the Blue-Gray All-Star Game

On December 25, 2000, Steve Smith played in the Blue–Gray All-Star game, which started to attract attention from various NFL scouts.

2001: Drafted by Carolina Panthers

In 2001, Steve Smith was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the third round (74th overall) of the NFL draft, starting his professional football career.

2002: Steve Smith began his career as a starter.

2002 was Steve Smith's first season as a starter.

2002: Earned Starting Position with the Panthers

During the 2002 season, Steve Smith earned a starting position as a wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers and continued as the team's kick and punt returner.

2003: Led Panthers to NFC Title

During the 2003 season, Steve Smith played a critical role for the Panthers offense and helped lead them to their first NFC title in franchise history.

2005: Led the NFL in Catches, Receiving Yards, and Touchdowns

In 2005, Steve Smith led the NFL in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns, solidifying his status as one of the league's most productive wide receivers.

2005: Earned the "Triple Crown" of Receiving

In the 2005 NFL season, Steve Smith earned the "Triple Crown" of receiving, leading the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.

2007: Evangelism trip to Togo and Nigeria

In 2007, Smith went on an evangelism trip to Togo and Nigeria to talk to soccer players about Jesus.

2007: Signed a contract extension worth $45 million

In 2007, Steve Smith signed a new extension worth $45 million for six years with the Carolina Panthers.

2007: Invited to the 2007 Pro Bowl and Signed Contract Extension

In 2007, Steve Smith was invited to the Pro Bowl for the second year in a row and signed a contract extension with the Panthers.

2010: Lowest Receptions Since 2010

In 2013, Steve Smith had 64 receptions, his lowest since 2010.

November 27, 2011: Surpassed 1,000-Yard Receiving Mark

On November 27, 2011, Steve Smith surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark. He reached a total of 1,394 yards on 79 catches.

2011: Reached 10,000 Receiving Yards

In 2011, Steve Smith became the 35th player in NFL history to amass 10,000 receiving yards, marking a significant milestone in his career.

2012: Played in all 16 games

In 2012, Steve Smith played in all 16 games, recording 73 receptions for 1,174 yards and four touchdowns.

March 13, 2014: Released by Panthers

On March 13, 2014, Steve Smith was released by the Carolina Panthers.

March 14, 2014: Signed with Baltimore Ravens

On March 14, 2014, Steve Smith signed a three-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens.

March 2014: Signed with Baltimore Ravens

In March 2014, Steve Smith signed with the Baltimore Ravens after playing for the Carolina Panthers for thirteen seasons.

2014: Finished 2014 regular season with 79 receptions, 1,065 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Steve Smith finished the 2014 regular season with 79 receptions, 1,065 yards and 6 touchdowns.

December 30, 2015: Announced Return to Ravens for 2016 Season

On December 30, 2015, Steve Smith announced that he would be returning to the Ravens for the 2016 season, reversing his earlier retirement announcement.

2016: Returning to Ravens for 2016 Season

In 2016, Steve Smith announced that he would be returning to the Ravens for the 2016 season, reversing his earlier retirement announcement.

June 14, 2017: Paid college tuition for Elexus Jionde

On June 14, 2017, it was reported that Steve Smith secretly paid the full college tuition of Elexus Jionde.

2021: Joined Panthers' Broadcast Team

Before the 2021 Carolina Panthers season, Steve Smith joined the Panthers' broadcast team to call preseason games, marking his first time calling a game live.

2022: Host of NFL's Most Interesting Jobs

In 2022, Steve Smith began hosting NFL's Most Interesting Jobs for the NFL's YouTube channel, visiting NFL teams to showcase support staff work.

October 2023: Jerry Jeudy Incident

In October 2023, Steve Smith, working as a pregame analyst, attempted to apologize to Jerry Jeudy for calling him "JAG", but Jeudy swore at him, leading to Smith ranting about Jeudy on NFL Network.