Former New York Giants receiver Steve Smith announced on Wednesday through the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that he will retire after six seasons in the NFL.
“I’ve been blessed to play the game that I love at the highest level for the past six years,” Smith told reporters. “I will always cherish my time with the New York Giants and our Super Bowl victory in 2007. I also want to thank the Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers organizations for the opportunities they gave me. This was not an easy decision, but it’s the right decision for me at this time.”
Smith signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in April. He spent four seasons with the Giants (2007-11) before one-year stops with the Philadelphia Eagles (2011) and St. Louis Rams (2012).
The former University of Southern California standout starred while a member of the Giants, earning a Pro Bowl bid in 2009 following a 107-catch season during which he tallied 1,220 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Unfortunately, his tenure with the team ended poorly, with both sides unable to come to an agreement on a new contract after a 2010 season plagued by a knee injury.
Physical problems would ultimately prove to be Smith’s demise as his final three NFL seasons were all marred by their presence. He caught just 25 passes for 255 yards and one touchdown in his two seasons away from the Giants organization.
In 64 games, Smith recorded 245 receptions for 2,641 yards and 12 scores. He was drafted 51st overall in the first round of the 2007 NFL draft and was a key contributor in the Giants’ Super Bowl XLII victory over the then-undefeated New England Patriots.
Louis Musto is a reporter and sports talk host for the Sports Journey Broadcast Network. You can follow him on Twitter @LouisMusto.