Steve Smith Sr.
Career Stats: 219 games played (198 starts), 1,031 receptions, 14,731 yards, 81 TD
If not for an Achilles tear at the age of 38, the future Hall of Famer may have played until the age of 40. Smith, a top wideout for many years, demonstrated that height isn’t the most crucial attribute for a receiver. The veteran Panther always played with a chip on his shoulder. With his quick feet, he could escape opponents or run right through them because he wanted it more. Smith, despite being only 5-foot-9, was an all-time great chain mover with a knack for converting on third downs. Smith returned to the NFL in 2005, just one year after losing his leg, and led the league in all major receiving statistics – 103 receptions, 1,563 yards, and 12 touchdowns. Smith embodied perseverance, tenacity, and toughness during that season.
Steve Smith Sr.
Art Monk
Career Stats: 224 games played (194 starts), 940 receptions, 12,721 yards, 68 TD
Defensive backs in the 1980s had nightmares about covering Monk. Monk, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound wideout, used his body and natural quickness to overrun DBs on his route to the end zone. At the point of assault, the former Washington Redskin was physical. In the red zone, he would intimidate lesser players, boxing them out like a basketball player going for a rebound. Monk was virtually the anti-receiver; he didn’t say much s**t and he preferred to block. Given his skill set, Monk may have been switched to tight end, but he was simply too good an athlete to stay within the numbers. The three-time Super Bowl champion and Pro Football Hall of Famer was an exceptional athlete.
Art Monk
