Steve Smith to retire from NFL at end of 2015 season

WBTV Web staff

Updated August 10, 2015 2:52 PM

10/26/08 Carolina Panthers wide receiver (89) Steve Smith leaps into the end zone for a touchdown during third quarter action vs the Arizona Cardinals. Smith caught a pass from quarterback Jake Delhomme for a 65 yard score. Following a John Kasay field goal, the Panthers led the Cardinals 24-23. The Panthers would defeat the Cardinals 27-23 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. JEFF SINER - jsiner@charlotteobserver.com JEFF SINER JEFF SINER - jsiner@charlotteobs

Former Carolina Panther and current Baltimore Raven Steve Smith announced that this will be his last season, the Ravens announced Monday afternoon on twitter.

Smith said it's been a long career and he enjoys playing but he's going to "go home and be dad."

Smith has been in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons since he joined the Panthers in 2001.

"I feel like this is the best place, if this is going to be the end, this will be the best place to end," Smith said. "I think it's always easier when you know you have a finish line."

The Carolina Panthers released Smith from the team in March 2014. Less than 24 hours later, Smith signed a three-year with the Baltimore Ravens.

"Steve Smith has been one of the NFL's finest receivers for over a decade and has been the face of the franchise for a large part of the team's history," general manager Dave Gettleman said following the release. "This was not an easy decision."

Smith has been a five-time Pro Bowl selection and holds more than 30 career, single-season and single-game franchise records on offense and special teams.

This story was originally published August 10, 2015 at 2:15 PM with the headline "Steve Smith to retire from NFL at end of 2015 season."

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