Steve Smith Sr. Talks Playing the Villain, Career Longevity and The Other Football
In this episode of The MMQB Podcast with Peter King, I sat down for a discussion with Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. and former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski.
I met up with Smith at the Ravens facility in Owings Mills, Maryland. A renowned trash-talker, Smith opens up about his reputation as a player people love to hate. Every hero needs a villain, and he’s just fine with playing that role. Now in his 16th season, Smith explains how he’s lasted so long in the NFL. His oldest son has just begun his freshman year at DePaul where he is a soccer player. I mean, how many other active players can say they have a son playing college sports? Smith also discusses how he developed his aggressive and physical playing style and his decision to return for another year after previously announcing he would retire following the 2015 season.
Jaworski, a former Philadelphia quarterback himself, discusses Eagles rookie Carson Wentz’ toughness and explains why he is just the type of quarterback Eagles fans want. Jaworski reflects on Wentz’ pro day at North Dakota State and what he saw from the young quarterback that day that made him believe in his NFL potential. Jaworksi also compares the mechanics of Wentz and veteran Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, pointing out that Wentz outperformed Cutler in Chicago during Week 2 Monday Night Football.
2:30: Smith on the physicality of his game.
4:15: On growing up playing a variety of sports in Los Angeles.
5:15: On picking Utah for college football.
7:30: Smith describes his draft experience.
9:20: Smith tells the story of scoring a touchdown on his first NFL play.
11:30: Smith on being the guy opponents love to hate.
14:00: Smith explains why he embraces playing the role of the villain.
16:00: How playing angry helps Smith's game.
18:20: On playing against Troy Polamalu.
20:38: How Smith has lasted 16 years in the league so far.
23:10: Smith on the dangers of the sport.
25:30: Smith on how his body will feel when he's retired.
27:16: Why Smith came back for another year after announcing his retirement.
29:20: On his son who plays college soccer at DePaul.
31:35: Smith on his legacy.