4 Carolina Panthers numbers that nobody should ever wear again

Steve Smith – Former Carolina Panthers WR

There is little doubt that Steve Smith came to the Carolina Panthers with the biggest chip on his shoulder. Serious doubts about his size and ability to get open during draft evaluations saw the wide receiver fall into the third round, which provided the fiery individual with all the motivation needed to prove his doubters wrong.

Something he did in no uncertain terms.

Smith talked big. He also backed it up with elite production and a real knack for coming up with huge plays when it mattered most.

With 836 receptions for 12,197 receiving yards and 67 touchdowns during his time in Carolina, Smith will always be considered one of the team’s greatest-ever players. His departure to the Baltimore Ravens was full of bitterness, so it’s been refreshing to see the legendary figure and the Panthers patch things up in recent years.

The former Utah standout was not a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer. But make no mistake, Smith will end up in Canton one day.

As for anybody else wearing No. 89 in the future, that might be a little too much pressure. Especially given how highly Smith is thought of by the team’s loyal fanbase.