Meet Jimmy Smith
Jimmy Smith #82 is a Pro Bowl WR for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jimmy Smith is perhaps the most under rated receiver in recent years and possibly of all time. You can argue that he is one of the most consistent WR to ever play in the NFL. I'm talking eight 1,000 yard seasons (9 after 100 more yards this season), averaging 7 tds a season, and 80 receptions. Jimmy Smith has been the heart and soul of the Jacksonville Jaguars for the last decade. He remains the only player left from the inaugural season.This past week against the 49ers, Jimmy Smith caught his 853 reception of his career, moving him to 7th all time. 7th!! That's behind guys like Rice, Brown, Carter, Harrison, Reed, and Monk. Why is it Jimmy Smith gets no love? No one ever mentions his name when they are talking about the top WR in the game. Is it because Jimmy plays for a small market? Is it because he doesn't have flashy touchdown dances? Jimmy Smith is the face of the Jaguars franchise. He always has been and will be for a few more years.
Did you know if you google "Jimmy Smith" an old jazz musician is the first 5 hits that show up. You have to scroll down to find our Jimmy Smith. Wow!
When the Jaguars retire their first jersey in franchise history, it won't be number 8, 71, or 28. It will be #82. Everyone in Jacksonville knows #82. It's a shame if you mention #82 outside of Jacksonville, no one will know who it is.
Jimmy Smith started his career in Dallas. He played 7 games for the Cowboys, probably getting on the field only once. He played for the Cowboys during their Superbowl runs and earned himself 2 rings by sitting on the bench. Jimmy was cut just in time for the Jaguars to pick him up as a number 3 or 4 WR during their expansion year. Jimmy showed flashes of greatness in his first few years as a Jaguar, and finally earned the full-time WR1 spot in 1997. Jimmy was a key to the Jaguars early success and playoff runs. We called him Lightning as he flashed by corners burning them for 60+ yard td catches in 5 straight seasons. Jimmy Smith was one of the most prolific WRs of the late 90s earning several Pro Bowl selections.
Jimmy Smith's popularity seemed to dwindle along with the Jaguars during their salary cap hell. The loss of Keenan McCardell resulted in teams focusing on shutting down Smith. He faced double teams every game, yet still managed to catch 80+ balls and 1000+ yards.
Jimmy Smith has never really been injured as a Jaguar. He's missed a game here or there over his 14 year career, but has never missed significant time. In 2003, Jimmy suffered a set back in his career. Smith had a problem, he was addicted to cocaine. The fans in Jacksonville did not boo him, we did not cast him aside and call him names. We stood by him. We watched him grow and rid himself of his habit. Jimmy was suspended for the first 4 games. The 5th game he came back caught 8 balls and put up 130+ yards. Jimmy is clean now. His problems are behind him. He never left the hearts of Jaguar fans. Everyone wore their #82 jerseys that day.
With the recent drafting of WRs in the first round of the 2004 and 2005 NFL Draft, it seems as if the Jaguars are getting ready to replace Smith. But is he ready to go? I want Jimmy to retire a Jaguar. I don't want to see Del Rio cut a man who is about to put up another 70+ catch 1,000 yard season. If you thought fans didn't want to let go of Brunell, wait till talks of Jimmy being cut/retiring come up. We love Smith and respect everything he has done. Jimmy has never made a fuss about anything. He never complains (except the pass interference calls that seem to happen everytime he misses a catch). He goes out there and does his job. He's respectful to fans and media. He is still Lightning. He is still the face of our franchise.
Pro Bowl selections are being announced today. Will Jimmy be on the list? Not likely. No one outside of Jacksonville voted for him. Jimmy Smith is just an average Fantasy WR to most NFL fans. Smith makes the WR position look so easy. CBs still have nightmares about him. He deserves to be recognized. He deserves the standing ovation he gets every week, not only from Jaguars fans, but he deserves it from all NFL fans. He deserves to have his jersey retired. And most of all, he deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.
Meet Jimmy Smith, #82, Jacksonville Jaguars.
7th All Time Leading Receiver
2 Time Superbowl Champion
5 Time Pro Bowler
176 Games, 853 receptions, 12170 yards, 67 touchdowns.
posted by David Lithman at 10:24 AM
5 Comments:
I was a little surprised with this post due to the fact that you've ripped Jimmy quite a bit this season for dropped balls. Is that because he never used to have that problem and you were disappointed in a guy you really rooted for? Anyway, I think Smith is one of those guys whos anonmynity results from a small media market and his personality. He doesn't demand attention like the Chad Johnson types. I think Marvin Harrison's career and personality would have been similar to this had he not played with Peyton Manning and gotten the attention that the Colts have had. When you are a receiver that is good but not Jerry Rice-like great then you need something else to give you that national attention (great or media hyped team, media hog type personality, etc.) It's going to be hard to argue with Smith's stats though when he retires.
I have ripped Jimmy some this year because of his dropped balls. I was just upset. Even with the dropped balls, he still catches 5-6 a game.
But you're right, he never used to have that problem.
I can't imagine how bad this team would be without him.
No, I haven't gotten around to buying myself a new football game so it's some made up guy.
hahahah
I'm glad to see that you are actually interested, you are one of the few who read into it.
thank you
and also, I totally agree with your argument about Jimmy. Since I was about 6 or 7 I have been looking in the newspapers for stats and stuff of that sort. I never knew of Smith until I was 11 or 12 because of my first football video game. That was when I figured out who he was and what he has accomplished. Its sad that a video game is the only way that I found out he is so good. It shouldn't come to that. Instead of TO in the paper, every once in a while the papers should put in an article about Smith
It is just sad
Were his eye problems that he went through during his cocaine year? I remember this guy lighting it up back in the day. And I recall him getting off to a really good start this year too. But as a Charger fan, I must hate him now (even though he's really good)
FYI, Jimmy Smith the jazz musician is considered the greatest jazz organ player ever. That might sound stupid but I guarantee that you've heard his music before. Go to Amazon some time and listen to some samples.
Also, big fan of #82. Constantly amazed at how little recognition he receives. Last year it was all about Reggie and this year it was all about Jones. When really it has always been about Jimmy.
Post a Comment
<< Home