Top receiver Smith retires from NFL Broncos

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

DENVER, Colorado (AFP) — Denver Broncos receiver Rod Smith announced his retirement Thursday, fighting back tears as he ended a 12-year National Football League career spent entirely with the Broncos.

Smith is the club's all-time leader with 849 receptions, 11,389 receiving yards and 68 touchdown catches.

"Obviously, (he is) the greatest wide receiver to ever play for the Denver Broncos," Broncos owner Pat Bowlen said.

Smith missed all of last season with left hip problems. The injury and a concussion limited his production in 2006 when he caught only 52 passes and found the end zone just three times.

"Fate put me here and I'm glad," Smith said. "I gave them everything I had. I'm going to miss the locker room. If I didn't do anything else, I hope I...