Ranking the top 25 wide receivers in NFL history…
23. Steve Smith Sr.
Drafted 74th overall in the third round by the Carolina Panthers in 2001 out of Utah, Smith emerged as a fiery playmaker, initially shining as a return specialist with two punt return touchdowns as a rookie before becoming a dominant receiver.
Over 13 seasons with the Panthers, he set franchise records with 836 receptions, 12,197 yards and 67 touchdowns, earning five Pro Bowl selections (2001, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011) and three First-team All-Pro honors (2001, 2005, 2008).
His pinnacle 2005 season captured the NFL receiving “triple crown” with league-leading 103 catches, 1,563 yards and 12 touchdowns, plus leading in yards per game (97.7).
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Smith led the NFL in receiving yards per game again in 2008 (101.5) despite low team attempts, a unique feat. He powered Carolina to Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2003, catching four passes for 80 yards and a touchdown in a loss to New England.
Released by Carolina in 2014, Smith joined the Baltimore Ravens for three seasons, adding 195 receptions for 2,534 yards and 14 touchdowns, including a 1,000-yard campaign at age 35 in 2014. He retired in 2017.
Smith’s career totals include 1,031 receptions, 14,731 receiving yards and 81 touchdowns across 219 games, plus 2,674 return yards and five return scores, ranking him eighth in all-time receiving yards at retirement.
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Smith’s standout attributes were his explosive speed, elite agility and competitive fire, allowing the 5-foot-9 receiver to dominate despite his size.
His playing style was that of a versatile deep threat and route technician: aggressive, precise in separation and fearless against larger defenders, often thriving on emotion.
He was inducted into the Panthers Hall of Honor in 2019.
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But who ranks ahead of Smith at No. 22 all-time?