http://www.gadsdentimes.com/apps/pbc...tioncat=SPORTS
Quotes about Jaguars receiver Jimmy Smith, who retired Thursday after 13 seasons:
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"We have been through a lot together, on and off the field. I value my friendship with Jimmy and I back him 100 percent on his decision. I told him to make sure he invites me to his retirement party because it's rare to go out on top. He was able to go out on his own terms. Great players usually don't go out on top. Jimmy has had a wonderful career. He's a warrior. Father time catches up with us all." - Jaguars running back Fred Taylor.
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"The name Smooth fits Jimmy perfectly. He might be old in age in terms of football, but he is still one of the fastest and smoothest guys running routes. I don't think you can cover the guy one-on-one. You can't do it even at his age." - Jaguars safety Deon Grant.
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"My most vivid memory of Jimmy and I on the field was in the divisional playoff game against Denver in '96. I hit him with a touchdown pass to go on to win. That was the greatest play I've been a part of and he was the reason it happened. It was the culmination of a lot of hard work for a great franchise. We really grew up together as NFL players in Jacksonville and started when the team started. He really was instrumental in establishing that franchise." former teammates current Washington Redskins quarterback Mark Brunell.
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"There were a couple of rare ingredients that this kid had. He had some medical issues; he had asthma. And yet he played with great endurance, which the great ones have. In the fourth quarter he had the power, he had the speed, he had the endurance and he could make things happen at that point in the game. He developed a unique relationship with Mark Brunell. And if you were going to single cover Jimmy Smith, the ball was going to him. He was a difference maker." - former Jags and current New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin.
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"Jimmy might not have the national recognition of Jerry Rice at the wide receiver position, but every defensive back that has played in the 1990s to current, and every defensive coach in the league knows exactly who he is. He will go down in history as one of the best." - Baltimore Ravens cornerback Deion Sanders.
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"A tremendous receiver, a competitor. He has the great speed and acceleration out of the cuts. He catches the deep ball well. He's physically a tough guy. He just has what you look for in a receiver. And now he's at the point where he still has the physical skills, but he has a great deal of experience and he knows what he's doing out there. He's just one of the best receivers that's played in this era." - Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy.
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"He's probably one of the most underrated receivers in the league. The only reason for that is because he plays in a small market. It's not because of his ability. People around the country don't know a lot about him because he's in Jacksonville. If he were in New York or somewhere like that, a big media market, he'd be huge." - former teammate and San Diego Charger receiver Keenan McCardell.
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"You look at Jimmy Smith and no other receiver does what he does. He has it all, size, strength, speed and hands. I have looked up to him since day one. He has encouraged me as receiver. I cherish my friendship with him and the times we have spent together at the Pro Bowl and other places. Once you get to know Jimmy Smith and talk with him, you realize he's a family man. It hurts me to see him leave even though I compete against him. He's the ultimate, point blank." - Indianapolis Colts receiver Marvin Harrison.
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"It's just great to see somebody finish the way he finished. From me and him sitting in a hotel room in Seattle, trying to find a job, Jacksonville's first year of existence. He said, 'I think I'm going to Jacksonville.' I was kind of envious of him that he had an option. I didn't know if I had too many options. He went down there and made the best of it. He's definitely one guy that I tell my young guys to watch and say, 'Do you want to learn how to run some routes? Watch this guy's footwork.' Even when he's playing against us, I just didn't want him to do too much damage. His numbers speak for themselves. He's one of those guys - quiet, confident - who is a big star in this league without the fanfare. ... I just wish I could be there. Honestly, I would have flown down there if I knew. I wish someone had called me to say that he was going to have a press conference, I would have gone. That's how much he's meant to my career. ... It was just one half day that we shared in a room. I think we've earned a lot of respect from each other just from that moment - two guys who were hungry, trying to go out there and work. We got opportunities in two different areas. I just wish the best for him and his family. It was a tremendous run. I'm going to keep running for him, for now, until they run me out of the business." - Denver Broncos receiver Rod Smith.