When Steve Smith Sr. ruptured his Achilles in Week 8 against the San Diego Chargers last season, there was talk it might be his last game. On Thursday, the Baltimore Ravens wide receiver returned to practice with a message for his doubters.
“When I got hurt, I felt like I let those guys down in the locker room,” an emotional Smith told reporters, according to Clifton Brown of CSN Mid-Atlantic. “So for me to come back and play, it just showed them that I am dependable.”
“And it showed you jack—es that at 37 years old, I can still play. I’m sick of y’all, ‘How can you depend on a 37-year-old to play this game after a ruptured Achilles?’ We’ll see. I rehabbed for nine months while y’all were sitting around twiddling your thumbs. I intend to lay everything out.”
Smith is in the final year of his contract with the Ravens but didn’t say if this was his going to be his last year playing in the NFL. He did, however, warn his would-be opponents.
“I’m not in this business to make friends. So if you’re not in the same jersey as me, I plan to rip you to shreds, bottom line.”
“The bully’s back,” said Smith. “That’s all I’ve got to say. Vacation is over for the DBs.”
Smith was having a Pro Bowl season before he got injured. It will be interesting to see if he can return to playing at a high level after a serious injury.
