Carolina Panthers No. 89: 3 reasons why Steve Smith was so great

3. Rags to riches story

Steve Smith was a relatively unfancied prospect when the Carolina Panthers selected him in the third round with the No. 74 overall pick in 2001. He was seen more as a rotational player coming into the NFL, which was down in no small part to his 5-foot-9 frame.

He gave the receiver a huge chip on his shoulder entering the pro ranks. And it is something that really took his game to the next level. Smith quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with and was an absolute nightmare for opposing cornerbacks to cover.

The player dispelled the myth that wideouts have to be more than six feet in height to make an impact. Carolina’s offense did a tremendous job of putting him in the right sort of position to succeed. This proved crucial and enabled Smith to really express himself on the field.

His rise to prominence also caught the eye of other teams across the NFL, who looked at diminutive wide receivers in a completely different light after Smith burst onto the scene. There are plenty of similar players across the league that owe him a huge debt of gratitude, And this is a further indication of what an influential figure he became.

Smith was the heart and soul of the Panthers. And although this didn’t come with a Super Bowl during his time with the organization. It does not detract from the immense legacy he leaves behind.