3 reasons why Steve Smith is a first-ballot Hall of Famer

A competitive edge like no other

Nobody who went up against Steve Smith will forget it in a hurry. The diminutive wide receiver tried to beat you not only with his physical attributes but also with a fierce competitive spirit that was right on the edge at times.

That made him the player he was.

And the Carolina Panthers benefitted enormously from it.

Trash talking is all part of the game and plenty do it. But backing it up is another matter entirely.

Smith had some cornerbacks beaten before they even stepped onto the field. There was an aura about him that made him a force to be reckoned with and if there was the slightest bit of doubt in an opposing secondary, he would find it and take advantage.

This ruthless attitude to gameday was hard not to get behind from a fan perspective. But it also had a substantial impression on his teammates.

Watching Smith run through a brick wall to reach his end goal was all the motivation they needed. He demanded nothing but the best from himself and the teammates he went to war with, which is one of the more significant takeaways upon further examination of a fantastic career.

Many players after Smith tried to emulate this style of play.

Few have succeeded and this is the biggest compliment one could pay him.