Rod Smith ( American football ) Roderick Smith ( born May 15 , 1970 ) is a former American football wide receiver who played thirteen seasons for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League ( NFL ) . He played college football at Missouri Southern State . He was originally signed by the Broncos as an undrafted free agent and played his entire career with the team . He is ranked 15th in NFL history in career receptions and 16th in receiving yards . Personal life . At Arkansas Senior High School in Texarkana , Arkansas , Smith lettered two years in football and basketball , and one year in baseball . As a senior in football , he was All - League , All - Area , and All - State . Outside of football Rod Smith has three kids ( Roderick Smith Jr . , Devin Smith , and Vanessa Smith ) . He is a business entrepreneur as he has expressed in many interviews , some with his kids in them speaking about their father ' s accomplishments on and off the field . College career . Smith enjoyed a stellar career at Missouri Southern State University , finishing with conference records in career receiving yards ( 3 , 043 ) and touchdowns ( 34 ) . He also broke the school ’ s reception record ( 153 ) , and was named first - team All - America by AP , Kodak , Football Gazette and NCAA Division II sports information directors after his senior year . In his final season , Smith caught 63 passes for 986 yards and 13 touchdowns , and was a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy , given annually to the top football player at the Division II level . He was named Missouri Southern ’ s Outstanding Graduate in 1994 after completing his collegiate studies with three degrees , in economics and finance , general business , as well as marketing and management . Professional career . After the 1994 draft , Smith wasn ' t drafted . First , the New England Patriots signed him but then he was released . Soon after his release , the Broncos signed him . His first NFL catch was a last - minute 43 - yard touchdown from John Elway in a 38 – 31 win against the Washington Redskins on September 17 , 1995 . In fourteen seasons as an NFL player , Smith had eight seasons of at least 1 , 000 receiving yards . He had two seasons of at least 100 receptions ( : 100 ; : 113 ) . His reception total in 2001 led the league . He was a starting wide receiver of the Broncos ' back - to - back Super Bowl championships in 1997 and 1998 . In the Broncos ' 34 – 19 win in Super Bowl XXXIII , Smith had 5 receptions for 152 yards ( the fourth highest total in Super Bowl history ) , including an 80 - yard touchdown reception . He was a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2004 . A hip injury that he suffered in 2006 required a complete hip replacement . On December 28 , 2007 it was revealed that Smith needed another hip surgery , possibly ending his career . He was placed on the reserve / retired list on February 15 , 2008 , and announced his formal retirement from professional football on July 24 , 2008 in a press conference at the team ' s Dove Valley headquarters . With two Super Bowls , three Pro Bowls , and a controversy - free career noted for professionalism , Smith left the Broncos as one of the most well - loved players of all time . In May of 2012 it was announced that he would be inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame in his first year of eligibility for the honor . The induction ceremony took place on Sunday , Sept . 23 , at halftime of the Broncos ' home game against the Houston Texans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High .