NFL Network's Steve Smith Explains Why He Retired as a Raven & Not a Panther | The Rich Eisen Show

[@unlaced7031]

I’m a Panther fan and I understand why he chose not to retire a Panther. That organization did. him grimy he didn’t deserve how he went out from us.

[@bloconte2796]

Just curious what they did to him?

[@jaimesanchez3370]

@B LoConte He gave everything to that organization. He was still producing at a high level and they let him go. It was like a bad divorce and the ravens were that new girlfriend that treated him the way he always wanted to be treated

[@godzilla7391]

I agree. I also grew up and live in NC. Sad how they did Smitty. He was still able to play when they traded him. Of course not a #1 reciever, but still could contribute.

[@johnlee5799]

@@godzilla7391 although he grew up in L.A.

[@EricGadson]

Agreed, Olson as well deserved better.

[@NomadiqGentz]

This dude looked right at his watch and then said "this time" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@squaddownproductions6264]

Nigga need a digital watch 😆

[@dflash77yt]

That was work reflex. He didn’t want to spoil the show if it was being taped but would play later in the day as if it were live. He works in tv so he gets it.

[@CSDonohue11]

@@dflash77yt Real talk. Recognize. Salute Bro Bro

[@frequentfinesse8904]

Lmfao

[@greenwaytruckinginc6134]

Panthers disrespected him. And I'm from NC.

[@michaelrrari]

RunHard GetPaid dave gettleman did and he is gone already .. so not exactly

[@medic4838]

The Panthers didn't, Gettleman did.

[@biggains1]

Panthers didnt do anything wrong to him. They paid his exorbitant salary even when he wasn't worth it for years. Smith just wanted to change things up, the greedy little shite.

[@40EastTrill]

@@biggains1 Dude had seven 1,000 yards seasons. How was he not worth it?

[@biggains1]

@@40EastTrill he was good. I was saying he wasnt good for years, as in he consistently stopped producing the stats that got him the bigger salaries in the first place. Panthers needed to try and build a good TEAM not just a solid player or 2.

[@gaspackmarlee5889]

Still Kills Me That He Wasn’t A Panther His Whole Career Still One Of My Favorite And Best Panthers Ever...

[@crazijoe123]

KeBo Marlee I’ll never forgive Dave Gettleman for that.

[@jakejackson1189]

Are you sure?? He drafted McCaffrey for you guys and then got fired. I think that deserves an apology

[@jamaalsq8134]

It’s Dave Gettleman, plain and simple

[@rossedwardmiller]

I gotta say as a ravens fan, I was so happy to have him with us for a minute.

[@georgeshaeffer5109]

One of my fav ravens I hated to see him go

[@OldSchool3pts]

He fit in BAL like a glove too bad he didnt come sooner to play with Ed & Ray he would have had a ring

[@bgstv10001]

Imagine him and boldin together scary

[@sammienelson8404]

Your comment could sound dirty to a non football fan 😂

[@DSrDavis-tq9qp]

Absolutely we've probably won another Super Bowl

[@SonOfBmore]

Imagine him and Bolden

[@kenp7814]

And a missing white suit to go with the ring?

[@tryhardfinessedyou]

Steve smith just casually admitting he can't read an analog clock. Lol

[@BABA-is8kv]

lololol this.

[@silversoulken]

Sooooooo many ppl nowadays can’t, it’s ridiculous

[@MykeFord950]

LOL you noticed that too

[@zachshaw951]

And that he failed multiple PED tests

[@jakobgoree]

Maybe his watch was set to a different time zone and he was like, F it. Haha

[@edwardairborne6954]

Steve Smith will ALWAYS be a Carolina Panther. Worst decision the Panthers have ever made, they still can’t find a receiver crew for Cam Newton. Steve was more than a player he mentored the team! All the respect for Steve Smith as a player and human being!!

[@blakliffy]

And then there was CMC to the 9ers this year, lol

[@thisislaflaretv5250]

Carolina's greatest receiver

[@Dregohard609]

Period💯

[@HueyPPLong]

Greatest panther period not just receiver. Between him Julius peppers and Luke Kuechly

[@randyariss3837]

And one of the greatest receivers to play smith was a problem

[@cbanks1980]

Yup

[@dnasmadden_assassin4672]

Carolina greatest panther

[@MarloSoBalJr]

Besides Anquan Boldin, Steve Smith was one of the best receivers we've ever had. If only we could have gotten him to that Super Bowl in 2014.

[@MikeMikeActual]

2012

[@vince11harris]

Torrey Smith?

[@Garrett316]

Don’t forget Derrick Mason!!!

[@karimqk1895]

@@MikeMikeActual 2013, technically

[@MikeMikeActual]

@@karimqk1895 It's for the 2012 season

[@anthonycovington6573]

Steve is has and always will be bitter wit The Panthers. I hope to see him retire his 89 jersey wit Carolina But he was pissed when that whole ordeal went down

[@kidbugatti]

Anthony covington he has every right to be.

[@Cj-hj6rm]

Anthony covington HE SHOULDA STAYED WITH US AN BEAT THE ORANGE DONKYS AT THE BOWL .

[@Cj-hj6rm]

bugatti bay yea , trading him with bum ass KB was the worst thing a coach can do , Ron should be fired.

[@Cj-hj6rm]

Anthony covington GENTLEMAN DID IT

[@mikelove2586]

Hell us as fans was pissed

[@giveittogod286]

I know Steve did play for his whole career in Baltimore more, but it was a honor having you on our team. Thank you for retiring as a raven much love 👊🙌✌!

[@40EastTrill]

You mean did not

[@MrBmic]

I am from Baltimore. He will always be a Panther to me.

[@treyhopkins1455]

Lol

[@teflon-don4796]

stfu

[@MattGatts]

Shout out that 410! 21225 💯

[@edstylc2441]

Panther and a Raven. I live in Baltimore and enjoyed watching him and met him. I know what he means to Charlotte and if does that eventually it would be great if it is what he wants. He is a Panther but will always be part of the Ravens Flock as well.

[@jacobjones9652]

No he’s a raven not a panther

[@ajmoe]

Hell yeah. We claim Steve! He's a.... DAWG!!!

[@stephjackson8757]

Literally never answered the question both times 😭

[@PORTMIAMIMIKE]

Facts.... I’m like wtf is he talking about

[@mid.life.crisis2955]

I'm real glad he never retired a Panther. They did him dirty. He's a better man than me for not mentioning it.

[@paulschultz8011]

We gave him a chance, yeah we cut him, life happens. Not saying he shouldn’t be mad, I’m just saying it’s the NFL.

[@jddotson7107]

Always loved this dude

[@AUDACITY4Uphotographer]

Steve Smith definitely should go to the Pro Football Hall Of Fame. I'm from Charlotte and the ownership group and management did him super dirty. Steve Smith has zero quit in him. He was a real dog.❤️❤️

[@danjenkins2064]

He really didn’t make any sense trying to explain this.

[@devin83able]

Okay if he would wanted to retire as a panther he was gonna have to to do drug test and more so he basically skipped all that and just retired as a raven I think that what he was saying

[@Lupelele684]

He didnt want to go thru the hassle of taking more drug tests to retire a Panther. So mans said fucket and went out as an honorary "OG" Raven. You a dumbass if cant understand that. Aside from this, His body of work earns him a place among the greats that have you suited up for the ravens.

[@outkast978]

@@Lupelele684 Right, him explaining how he didn't want to go through the extra work reflects exactly how he feels about the Panthers' organization. He even made it a point to state that he still loves Charlotte, the city & the people, not these scumbag private entities.

[@jasondwimes8612]

He was using drugs. I get it

[@Bluetiger-zx6sc]

@@jasondwimes8612 I was thinking that too. He used PEDS to stay up with younger groups Nd didn't want to tarnish anything. I get it. All it is just peeing in a cup. Takes no time at all. Its cool

[@goonern4644]

"Ice up son, Ice up." Legend..

[@CSProduction12]

Pound for pound he is the greatest receiver to ever grace the field.

[@wisethabrain1100]

😂 I luv the guy too but nah

[@CSProduction12]

@@wisethabrain1100 Name a 5'9" or smaller receiver that was better.

[@big-aimpalancapricenationi3217]

He is one of the last of a dying breed... him and Warrick Dunn are the 2 BIGGEST small men to prove that size doesn't matter in the nfl... BIG RESPECT

[@dre_withwithout]

Antoine Winfield as well.

[@jordanl1152]

CHEETAH!!

[@mistertaz94]

B Dawk too.

[@big-aimpalancapricenationi3217]

@@jordanl1152 absolutely not... he is a finesser. Pure speed & I'm not taking nothing from his talent... But first you have to catch Steve Smith & if you catch him you're going to have to fight him(because he's a dog) just to get a tackle. Even if you took Steve Smiths speed away he's still a problem... IF YOU TOOK THE SPEED AWAY FROM THE CHEETAH HONESTLY COULD YOU SAY THE SAME, I think not his ne the CHEETAH says it all. But he's still an elite player, But Steve Smith is a different kind of animal.

[@tylerstevens6295]

It was tough for me to break the 89 comments on this video but he is the greatest Panther ever, Cam might eclipse him though. Should have had 2 rings no lie. Its also sad that being the 90th comment reminds me Peppers retires after this upcoming season. Gonna miss TD58 soon too😖

[@ralphcanfield9555]

Steve you are the best and as fan thank you for all you gave us as a football player

[@paulweston8408]

It sounded like he didn't understand that Rich meant a one-day contract that most players sign before they retire so they can retire with their main team.

[@keithmorreale1243]

No he understood it. He didnt want to deal with the process. If he retired and came back a Panther, drug test needed. If he were to get traded to Panthers, physical and drug test and if you listened you would have heard he wanted nothing to do with the drug test or the process. Simple if you listen and comprehend simple sentences.

[@PORTMIAMIMIKE]

Paul he didn’t understand the question 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@j2times2006]

That one day contract thing is such a waste of everybodys time.

[@JR-ht2vy]

Paul, you’re right!

[@piddlesmcgee]

Steve was one of those players no matter what team you were a fan of you loved to watch him

[@turtleislandchief]

Yep

[@brian9]

Steve Smith is the realest out there 💯💯

[@Belowthaheavenz]

Steve smith is a real one

[@teezwilliams22]

Y’all kno why he retired a Raven, Carolina panthers organization, NOT THEIR FANS, did him suuuuuper dirty, and he said the Ravens organization and reputation fits him wayyy better!!

[@tommyrick4687]

Agent #89 Love the way this guy played football. Now I love him as a commentator. Thank you Steve

[@anonmouse956]

Once again Rich Eisen tackles the most challenging subjects facing society.

[@justincarnes1656]

Steve Smith was my favorite player that never played for my team.

[@lancemaltby895]

He was must see tv regardless of the jersey

[@marlanekelly170]

Panthers definitely showing what they’re made of by doing this to Him and Cam

[@Careerender]

To put this in perspective. He was notified by his release in Carolina not by the team. But, through social media. We all know the NFL is a business first, but when a player has put his body and soul into an organization. You at the very least give him the respect he deserves.

[@PlayaflyJoe27]

Steve always being honest.. Gotta love him!

[@flaccosantiago9654]

RAVENS FLOCK WE HERE 😈 😈 WONDER IF HE WOULD'VE BEEN A RAVENS FROM THE START

[@verynicegamer6646]

Shut up he was a PANTHER😄😌 not a raven🤢🤮

[@brianjackson3031]

@@verynicegamer6646 his best years with the Ravens 😈😈😈😈

[@evanw1868]

@@brianjackson3031 his best years were easily with Carolina Best with Carolina stats 103 catches 1,500 yards 12 tds Best with Baltimore 79 catches 1,000 yards 6tds

[@KingMePlz94]

@@brianjackson3031 you clearly didn’t watch football before 2014

[@brianjackson3031]

@@evanw1868 he didn’t win nothing in Carolina Baltimore had him in the playoffs 😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈😈

[@jonruger]

He always played like a Raven wish we had him the whole time.

[@NFJIZZY]

Steve Smith 💯💪🏾 OG

[@ravpol1440]

Panthers screwed him and was not upfront about his contract. He didn’t even know he was released until a media member asked him.

[@ojdajuiceman6139]

My Favorite player of All-Time

[@4th3PPL]

He avg 14.3 yards per catch and a TD every 13 catches. That's wild

[@giustinoscalise3177]

One of the best to ever do it

[@xCriminalKingx]

A ravens all time great thank you for what you brought to the team smitty. You will get your purple jacket soon don’t you worry and be in our ring of honer.

[@xCriminalKingx]

@CTA8922 he retire a raven though even sent his letter to Rodger goodell which specifically said “im a raven”

[@roethlisbergerpolamalu4183]

@@xCriminalKingx doesn’t matter nobody that likes the NFL, yes everybody. Players, coaches, fans, gms etc. when people think of Steve Smith they think of him with Carolina not with Baltimore. He played with Baltimore for 3 years? Dumbass

[@fizzyfuzz5878]

He is the most beloved Panther of all time. Way more of a leader and competitor than Cam ever was in Carolina. Shame Jake Delhomme only played 3 full seasons with Steve.

[@jamtop1105]

Idk about that...

[@ShafiqKhan-sm8lt]

Love rich and steve

[@95baby559]

Top 5 receivers I’ve ever watched play Moss Megatron T.O Steve smith Fitzgerald

[@nathancorless63]

carolina actually lost money releasing him

[@HHHPedigrees]

He did Cam Newton dirty

[@jaywalker3553]

Who doesn't like Steve smith he's a straight up baller 🙌🏾

[@JSalonsky]

Easily a top 5 receiver I ever seen and he wasn’t even 5’10. He’s like the Allen Iverson of the NFL. Imagine if the dude was 6 inches taller

[@Crenshaw_93]

Love that guy!

[@wtp7631]

As a Panthers fan since they have been a team, I don't blame him for writing off the Panthers. They did him dirty

[@jeremynelson4072]

Ans to think he was originally projected as a kick returner. I remember the very first time he touched the ball in a game that counted. September 9, 2001 at Minnesota. He took the opening kickoff back for a touchdown, and the Panthers won 24-15. Their only win of the season. Less than 48 hours later, 9/11 changed everything.

[@darrenedwards6705]

Steve smith.....straight grass feed butter.......this dude hall of fame.....can be a coach or scout in my opinion!!

[@fighttounite6201]

A smidget of a raven ,greatest panther ever ..

[@mrnastytymes]

True

[@Cj-hj6rm]

FIGHT TO UNITE HE'S THE BEST , GENTLEMAN A BITCH ASS NIGGA 😒

[@fighttounite6201]

Allucard The great. Lmao come on man ...I can't talk about the best like that

[@KingLeo521]

OG LOC I would like what would happen to you if you said that to his face because I think there's I any bitch in Steve.

[@The843legendz]

Always a Panther to me.

[@DamnItDomo]

2014 was the year we could had won the Super Bowl with him

[@eduardoroblero6534]

I hated him as a panther cause he was a dawg but man when he became a Raven!! Ouuu he became one of my favorite, if only he would of came earlier!

[@jamtop1105]

*Panther

[@alphatrion4365]

For the people who keep saying Cam didn't have great receivers - here's this guy. And Cam ran him outta town.

[@kam5427]

Greg Olson was always nice to have too maybe not the greatest te ever but certainly a really good receiver

[@ejknight88]

Came to my city and KILLED Carolina! Steve is forever A RAVEN!!!!

[@OklahomaWildman94]

He didn’t understand the question lol

[@ahefner33]

He was later put in Carolinas wall of fame and his name is honored in the stadium

[@SLIMZD]

Some things leave a bitter taste in our mouth but over time that taste become less bitter it will all work out in due time

[@andredarden7052]

Hope Moore comes to Bmore too. Teams fleece us all the time.

[@TheGoodSheperd_TOG]

My boy used YOLO wrong lol

[@TeamBossNC]

89 and 87, never been good at wideout since.

[@MerricknotErik]

Man asked the same question twice two different ways n he couldn’t get the simple answer 😂😂

[@norealgambino]

Because that’s where his best Quarterback was

[@the8u9]

Smart move, to dodge the question like that. No need to upset one fanbase and potentially upset a new one.

[@RajaRickin]

as a panther fan, worse thing the franchise has done - player management wise (mismanagement is more like it). Sam Mills, Steve Smith and Thomas Davis are the best representatives of what Carolina Panther Football is all about, Steve should have picked his own time to retire as a PANTHER.

[@ericfisher9513]

I always wished Baltimore Ravens drafted him. He had the desire and heart of a raven but he will retire as a panther...just glad he was a raven even if it was one year.

[@bradcampbell475]

Greatest panther ever loved his reaction to Dave get the man being fired after that knife Dave put in his back

[@kodak6421]

Once a raven always a raven

[@shocktrauma85]

It's a shame he wasn't a few years younger and able to play alongside Lamar Jackson. He could have been Lamar's top target.

[@E3litecompany]

He should’ve been a Baltimore raven his whole career can you imagine him and Hines ward in the same division lol lord

[@KingLeo521]

Live Grenade Now that you mention it I can lol. A player like Steve Smith was destined to play in the AFC North.

[@frandavis1990]

He should of been a raven from the start!!! His mode of play fits the older ravens style. Lord i miss him lol

[@kidbugatti]

Francisco Davis naw... he was a perfect fit for the Panthers.

[@Cj-hj6rm]

Francisco Davis lol hell no , lmao that team was ass an in the shittiest conference in football , glad he was with us since day 1 , he should've won two rings with us tbh .

[@Cj-hj6rm]

bugatti bay FACTS BIH

[@flipdibiase9770]

bugatti bay faCTs

[@tylerstevens6295]

Nah bro, he MADE the panthers who we are. The only other player to have an actual impact on our franchise was Sam Mills, RIP.

[@qpeocn]

Retired as a Ravens, but he's forever a Panther. Ain't nothing gonna change that.

[@mcsuchnsuch]

One of the few players I miss watching.

[@jermainejpshepherd2778]

We do our legends so grimey in Carolina. Smh.

[@viceroymarkovitz3561]

Is this Steve Smith Sr. or Jr.? I need clarification despite Jr. not even being in the NFL

[@bernardrichardson7621]

I understand Steve’s anger, ifI was done that way I would probably be petty towards the management & not the fans of that team but definitely feels some type of way towards that management! As soon as Carolina release him-(which was a shock to me, to everything that he meant to that team! I know they pushing for cam to be the main guy as long as Steve was there that was never going to happen! Still, you gotta to show respect & decency to a man who was out & about in their community doing everything that they asked of him) If hindsight was 20 /20 & Carolina didn’t truly value Steve, I wish they would have released him a little sooner like around 2012 when the ravens were making their super bowl run at least he would’ve gotten a ring to cap off his career & go out the way that he deserved to go out! Salute Steve, -( I love that ice up son reference, classic!)

[@thisislaflaretv5250]

He still in his feelings

[@dannykrinkle4726]

Was asked the question twice and twice seemed to not understand the question.

[@CSDonohue11]

Steve Smith was the MuFu’n ish mahn.

[@davidshaffer4664]

Never liked smith sr has a wr but the man stood by what he says. I'm done with the nfl

[@JejblessAnointed]

It's not like he can't sign a 1 day contract and retired as a Panthers which I believe will be done.

[@ellicottraven2037]

He played like a Raven so in his heart he loved being a Raven. He was too gritty and tough not to retire as a Raven. But, I'll understand if he decides to retire as a Panther too. I doubt it though. He was allowed to be himself in Baltimore and he loved it there.

[@himoverthere6716]

Bro, he's a Panther.

[@edstylc2441]

@@himoverthere6716 He is both. More a Panther but no less a Raven. Thanks for lending him to us for a few years.

[@ronnrayy5449]

I love how when people giving interviews always feel the need to toss in there "well you little scrub not that we care about what you're talking about, but we only have 30 more seconds of listening to the sound of your voice" 😂 AND, out lol as if that wasn't understood or couldn't be mentioned long before the fact.

[@rskrzz6233]

panthers did him dirty, im glad he didnt retire as one.

[@Just4TheSport]

I like how he never answered the question .. 🐐

[@Realone031]

Why I thought this was Charlamange the god

[@dustinbarlow1623]

LOL if he chose to retire as a Raven, it means he will going into the HOF as a Raven. Carolina still doesnt have a single HOF player yet. The Jags have one in Boselli. Luke and Greg olsen may be the first panthers inducted into the HOF.

[@MaGaHo1989]

That’s not how the NFL HOF works. You don’t go in with any team. If what you said was true Reggie White went into the HOF as a Panther since he retired a Panther. Also, literally every NFL fan outside of Baltimore remembers Steve Smith as a Panther, not a Raven. Like it or not he is a Panther.

[@dustinbarlow1623]

@@MaGaHo1989 The Player chooses who he wants to be inducted into the HOF as, and he clearly made it known its not the panthers. Luke will probably be our first HOF inductee.

[@argentrisbarber3967]

The Panthers DIDNT DESERVE HIM. A Future HOF WR....BEAST

[@itstime3171]

1:45 my nigga looked at his watch and for whatever reason whether it had no batteries or he couldnt read the time my nigga said " at this time" nigga what time is it lmfaoo

[@jaxjr121]

Reminds me of Leon from Snowfall.....

[@mikethomas2191]

Didn't really answer lol but still the best WR in Panthers history.

[@jasonwolfe3252]

Steve Larry Fitzgerald and Julian Edelman are the toughest most clutch receivers ever.

[@roethlisbergerpolamalu4183]

Julian Edelman might be top 15. The other two are definitely some of the best to ever do it

[@iluvurkel9618]

Switch Julian wit Terrell Owen's and I might agree...

[@YZdude]

Because Baltimore showed him more love then the Panthers ever did.

[@JejblessAnointed]

No he choose the Raven first of all because they were the closest team near his home Charlotte and he didn't mind playing there. Dude Ron Rivera & Dave Gettaleman (I know I pronounce that wrong) was the people he didn't like and was mad how they did him. Actually if you listen to his latest statement he love the New Owner and franchise way of thinking like I stated in a earlier comment. He can sign a 1 day contract anytime and retire a Panthers which I believe he would do. I mean at this time he still was mad at Ron and them and he was somewhat open .

[@idunknowat63]

Anybody else notice he couldn’t read the time on his own watch...

[@Cj-hj6rm]

idunknowat63 I don't like watches like that .

[@freddieflores8881]

idunknowat63 how many people actually read their watch today? What time is it? Pull out the cell phone

[@AD-gs7zb]

Freddie Flores I do.

[@nboyer305]

Best player in franchise history didn’t even want to go back

[@bbginc694]

Johnathan Stewart was better

[@UNCCSloth]

I suspect that he'll eventually retire as a Panther. It's simply just a matter of Steve doesn't like Dave Gettleman, and Gettleman doesn't like what Steve said. But right now, Gettleman is the best thing about the Carolina Panthers because of his talent evaluation and roster building. Going into 2017, the Panthers are talented and will compete in the NFC....and the Panthers are in the business of winning football games. When Gettleman retires, the front office will call Smitty.

[@highlightcastle]

Hes gone

[@UNCCSloth]

Yeah....I'm not happy about it. Funny how fast things can change.

[@Cj-hj6rm]

UNCCSloth THEY BETTA CALL SMITTY NOW .

[@Cj-hj6rm]

UNCCSloth glad we got rid of Gettlebitch