Rod Smith Says Goodbye; Thoughts and Comments From The Presser

Here are some of the thoughts from today's press conference regarding Rod Smith's retirement --

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PAT BOWLEN

"[This is] part of a historic date today. The retirement of Rod Smith, obviously the greatest wide receiver that has ever played for the Denver Broncos. I could sit here and look at all his stats and talk about his accomplishments. You all know those already. I'd rather talk about Rod and his impact on the Denver Broncos and Pat Bowlen. You know, Rod, in the locker room, became over a period of time by far the most influential person in this organization among the players. He took his time getting that position, but there was no question in that in his career every player in that locker room was listening to him and respecting his opinion and what he had to say. And Rod, for that, I appreciate it, and I hope someday, before they carry me out of here in a pine box, that I'll have another player like you that has that amount of influence and control in the locker room the way you were able to because to me it meant a lot more than what you were able to do on the field. In and of it is unprecedented. I hope there is a way we can keep you involved in this organization. That is something that I am a very strong proponent of. I want you to stick around Denver, and hopefully, Mike (Shanahan) and myself will be able find something for you to do because you are going to be very productive. That would be a big deal for us. Having said that, I will turn it over to Mike and let him have what he has to say. Again, summing it up, you are probably the greatest player-you are the greatest player next to John [Elway], to play for me. And if I ever get anybody like you or like John again, I am very fortunate." more...