Denver Broncos: Which players belong in the Hall of Fame?

Rod Smith

Rod Smith not being in the Hall of Fame doesn’t make sense to me or to others at Predominantly Orange. He spent his entire 12-year career with the Denver Broncos and had the most productive wide receiver career in Bronco history.

Despite being an undrafted free agent signing, Smith produced eight 1,000-yard seasons and two 100-catch seasons. At the conclusion of his career, Smith had accumulated 849 receptions for 11,389 yards and 68 touchdowns.

These numbers are good for 27^th, 32^nd, and 49^th all-time in NFL history. These numbers are all Denver Bronco career records as well. Many of these numbers were top-20 upon retirement, but he has since been passed by receivers that benefited from an offensive resurgence in the last decade.

Furthermore, what sets Smith apart from others is his willingness to do whatever it takes for the team. A willing blocker, he set the edge on the outside for five different 1,000-yard rushers.

Outside of that, the guy is a winner. He won two Super-Bowls with Denver, and only had one losing season in his career.

Although Rod Smith surely thinks he is Canton-worthy, Hall of Fame voters traditionally have not favored the wide receiver position. Isaac Bruce, for example, is fifth all-time in receiving yards and has yet to be inducted into the Hall of Fame despite being eligible for the past few years.

Broncos fans appreciate what Rod Smith brought to the franchise; he was voted by the fans to the Broncos’ 50^th Anniversary Team.

Bronco executives also appreciate what Rod Smith brought to the franchise. He was selected to be in the Broncos Ring of Fame. All he needs now is the appreciation from the Hall of Fame voters.