Remembering the Broncos Signing Rod Smith as an Undrafted Free Agent and Taking Over the NFL
By Andrew Gullotta
Even after putting up earth-shattering numbers (over 3,000 receiving yards and 34 touchdowns) at Missouri Southern State University, Rod Smith was a little known prospect heading into the 1994 NFL Draft.
He went undrafted, but, after a quick stop in New England, he found his home with the Denver Broncos for years to come!
After 60 Broncos seasons, an appreciation:
— Broncos Outsider (@BroncosOutside) January 26, 2020
My favorite playoff wins, counted down:
#3
January 31, 1999. Super Bowl 33. In Elway's last game, he hit Rod Smith for an 80 yard touchdown as part of his MVP performance! The Broncos roll the Falcons 34-19!#BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/TCEpxdtiLe
After a few seasons of unproductive play, he broke out in a big way in 1997. He caught 70 balls for almost 1,200 yards and added 12 touchdowns. This first season was not an anomaly for Smith, as he had over 1,000 receiving yards in eight out of his next nine campaigns.
During this insane rune, he was an All-Pro (second team) twice and a Pro Bowler three times. He also has two Super Bowl rings to his name during his time with the Broncos. He was a top target for legend John Elway during this outstanding run.
Smith is an example to all of the undrafted free agents that just got signed this weekend throughout the NFL. If undrafted players can make the most of their situations, stardom is certainly in the cards.