4 Carolina Panthers jersey numbers that should be permanently retired
By Dean Jones
Steve Smith – Former Carolina Panthers WR
Although things did not end on the happiest of notes between Steve Smith and the Carolina Panthers before his switch to the Baltimore Ravens, that is now water under the bridge, and putting his jersey in permanent retirement in his potential Pro Football Hall of Fame season would be a fitting tribute to the greatest wide receiver in team history.
Smith emerged from an unfancied prospect coming out of Utah to arguably the NFL’s most feared wideout once upon a time. His trash-talking would have some cornerbacks beat even before they stepped on the field and everything that came out of the player’s mouth was backed up with exceptional performances that saw fans fall in love with him.
His Triple Crown season is something few have ever accomplished and had Smith and the Panthers been able to reach some sort of agreement for an extended stay, it might have come with an elusive first Super Bowl during the 2015 season.
There is no point in looking back with regret. Smith will be forever adored by Carolina’s loyal fanbase and there would be no more popular decision than seeing No. 89 put out to pasture permanently.
Whether this is something that comes to fruition is up for debate. But there would be no better time to do it if Smith is indeed chosen as a first-ballot inductee to Canton in 2022.