Sir Purr
Well-known member
- Mar 16, 2019
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CHARLOTTE — Steve Smith, Sr., has always been one to put on a show.
The franchise's all-time leading receiver did it with 836 receptions and with dazzling runs and ankle-breaking cutbacks on the way to the end zone for 89 career touchdowns (yup, you read that right). And he did it just as effectively with, “Ice up, son.”
So when it was his turn to be inducted into the Hall of Honor at Bank of America Stadium Sunday, Panthers fans expected … well, something.
“We laughed and said, ‘What is he going to do?’” said fan Tara Manning.
Smith, Sr., approached the mic, pairing his bright new Panthers blue sports jacket with a black NFL Network ball cap, like only he could. As he waited for the crowd’s roar to give him an opening, he flashed his trademark smile and brushed away a single tear from his left eye, like it was an NFL defensive back.
He thanked Panthers leadership from past and present, then took the crowd to a fever pitch.
“I never thought I’d be able to wear a Carolina Panthers jersey again,” he said. “So I thought … one last time.”
With that, Smith, Sr., peeled away his jacket and lifted off his dark shirt to reveal what was hidden underneath — his own white No. 89 Super Bowl XXXVIII jersey.
It was something No. 89 — and only No. 89 — could pull off. The stadium’s reaction confirmed that, once again, Smith, Sr., had delivered. And in true Smitty fashion, he closed by saying the next step is to make sure no Panther ever wears No. 89 again.