When great WRs are mentioned we often hear Jerry Rice, Michael Irving, Randy Moss but why is there never any mention of Jimmy Smith? In 12 years he caught 862 passes for 12,287 yards and 67 TDs. I know those are not Rice or Moss numbers, but he was just as valuable to his team as they were to theirs. The Jacksonville Jaguars will induct Smith into their Pride of the Jaguars on December 11th, 2016, a much-deserved honor.
Smith was a model of consistency during his tenure with the Jags. He accumulated 9 seasons (7 straight) with 1000+ yards receiving and two seasons of 100+ receptions. He helped a once expansion franchise gain notoriety as the Jags reached the playoffs four straight years between 1996-99 and helped turn Mark Brunell into a household name.
I believe he is not mentioned with the best is due to his lack of TDs, his highest in a season was eight which he accomplished three times, but the Jags relied heavy on the ground game inside the 20-yard line back then. Could Smith play in today’s game? Yes, he had the speed to blow past defenders, the hands to catch anything and the IQ to adjust to any situation.
Smith still hold many team records: receptions (862), single season (116), receiving yards (12,287), single season (1636) and single game (291). Smith also is one of the few receivers in history to have more than one 200 yard receiving game. Those are numbers that cannot be taken lightly and it’s great to see the Jags have finally acknowledged his importance.
As the years move on, he will have competition for his team records with Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson making a name for themselves but until then he is still the King of Jacksonville.