History of Steve Smith Sr. in Timeline

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.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

May 12, 1979: Stevonne Latrall Smith Sr. Born

On May 12, 1979, Stevonne Latrall Smith Sr. was born. He is known as Steve Smith during his playing career, who is now an American sportscaster and former professional football player.

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.

1997: Graduated from University High School

In 1997, Steve Smith graduated from University High School where he played football and was an All-Metro League selection as well as an All-California Interscholastic Federation selection.

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.

January 13, 2001: Named Offensive MVP of the East-West Shrine Game

On January 13, 2001, Steve Smith was named the offensive MVP of the East–West Shrine Game.

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.

2001: Drafted by the Carolina Panthers

In 2001, Steve Smith was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the third round, marking the start of his NFL 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.

2004: Broke Leg in Season Opener

During the 2004 season opener, Steve Smith suffered a broken leg against the Green Bay Packers, sidelining him for the rest of the year.

2005: Dominated the first two rounds of the 2005–06 NFL playoffs.

In 2005, Steve Smith dominated the first two rounds of the 2005-06 NFL playoffs. In a Wild Card Round victory over the New York Giants, Smith caught 10 passes for 84 yards and a touchdown, and rushed for 12 yards and another score.

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: Shared the 2005 NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award

In 2005, Steve Smith shared the 2005 NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award with New England Patriots' linebacker Tedy Bruschi.

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.

2006: Played Despite Injuries and Double Coverage

In 2006, Steve Smith battled through a hamstring injury and an ingrown toenail to finish the year with 83 catches for 1,186 yards and 8 touchdowns.

2006: Invited to the 2006 Pro Bowl

In 2006, Steve Smith, along with teammates Jake Delhomme, Julius Peppers, and Mike Wahle were invited to the 2006 Pro Bowl after the season.

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.

May 2008: Purchased Interest in Velocity Sports Performance

In May 2008, Steve Smith announced that he purchased a near-50% interest in the Velocity Sports Performance franchise in Charlotte.

August 1, 2008: Involved in Altercation with Teammate

On August 1, 2008, Steve Smith was involved in an altercation with teammate Ken Lucas during training camp, resulting in a suspension.

2009: Voted to play in the 2009 Pro Bowl

Despite his 2-game suspension, in 2009, Steve Smith was voted to play in the 2009 Pro Bowl after he managed to catch 78 passes for 1,421 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns.

2009: Broke forearm during week 16.

During Week 16 of the 2009 NFL season, Steve Smith broke his left forearm on a touchdown catch in a game against the New York Giants.

January 1, 2010: Placed on Injured Reserve

On January 1, 2010, Steve Smith was placed on injured reserve following a forearm injury.

June 19, 2010: Broke Arm Again

On June 19, 2010, Steve Smith broke his arm again while playing flag football.

2010: Worst Season as a Starter Since 2002

2010 was Steve Smith's worst season as a starter since 2002. He had low numbers due to the total lack of team offense behind rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen.

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.

2011: Rumors of wanting to be traded

In 2011, dissatisfaction led to widespread rumors amongst the Panthers fan base that the star receiver Steve Smith wanted to be traded from the team for the 2011 season.

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.

December 22, 2013: Received PCL Sprain Against the New Orleans Saints

On December 22, 2013, Steve Smith received a PCL sprain against the New Orleans Saints. However, The Panthers came out on top of the Saints 17–13.

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.

August 10, 2015: Announced Upcoming Retirement

During a press conference on August 10, 2015, Steve Smith announced that the upcoming season would be his last.

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.

2015: Tore Achilles Tendon

In 2015, Steve Smith tore his Achilles tendon during a Week 8 game against the San Diego Chargers, ending his season.

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.

January 2, 2017: Announced Retirement from NFL

On January 2, 2017, Steve Smith officially announced his retirement from the NFL.

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.

2017: Held At Least 72 Panthers Records

As of 2017, Steve Smith held at least 72 Panthers records, marking his significant legacy with the team.

July 9, 2019: Inducted into Panthers Hall of Honor

On July 9, 2019, the Panthers announced that Steve Smith would be inducted into the team's Hall of Honor.

2019: NBA All-Star Celebrity Game

In 2019, Steve Smith played in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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.

February 22, 2025: Affair Accusations

On February 22, 2025, Steve Smith was accused of having an affair with a member of the Marching Ravens, including intimate text messages being leaked.