Carolina Panthers: Former running back Rod Smart thankfully safe

There is good news to report on a Carolina Panthers legend.

There is  some very good news to report in regards to a former Carolina Panthers player. Former running back Rod Smart is safe and sound after being the subject of a missing person advisory released only six hours earlier.

Prior to Tuesday’s discovery, he had been last seen on June 12. His family was concerned for his safety, as they had not heard from him in quite a while.

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Smart played for the Panthers from 2002-2005, and he was primarily used as a kick returner. His only touchdown as a member of the Carolina Panthers, and perhaps his most memorable play, was a 100- yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints. I suppose if you are going to score only one touchdown, that is certainly a great one to be remembered by.

Known for his charisma and personality, he wore the name “He Hate Me” on the back of his jersey in the XFL. I remember seeing it at the time and I was a fan of it. It added personality to the XFL, and you always knew whose jersey it was. Smart indicated that “He Hate Me” was a universal nickname. Whether it be an opposing coach, a player, or someone who doubted him,  he always had the goal of proving them wrong.

I suppose in a way he did, given that his career was full of success in such a short period of time. He is certainly one of the more memorable Panthers, and he made his time in the National Football League count. I certainly have to give him credit for that. Not many NFL players, past or present, can say they made it to the Super Bowl. Although Carolina was defeated by New England in 2004, it must have been a little satisfying to have reached the pinnacle of the National Football League. Obviously, a ring would have been the ultimate accomplishment.

Now however, it is more than about just a game. His safety and well-being are accounted for, and that is extremely important. Hopefully everything is back to normal in his world. For a player that was always so quotable and memorable, that made his disappearance even more disturbing. Although he may be remembered for what he did while a member of the Carolina Panthers, that is a piece of his life. Smith was so much more than just his athletic accomplishments.