Rod Smith makes his case for NFL Hall of Fame: 'I'm deserving'

Denver Broncos legend and former NFL wide receiver Rod Smith says he belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Whether or not voters feel the same? That’s a different story.

Smith enjoyed a 14-year career in the NFL, spending his entire career with the Broncos. He won two Super Bowl rings and was a three-time Pro Bowl selection. But, so far, that hasn’t helped his cause.

“I feel I’m deserving but I don’t get to vote,” Smith told the Denver Gazette.

Smith said that he believes Denver’s rushing attack might be the reason he’s not getting the recognition he deserves. He also pointed to his lack of Pro Bowl selections, which he says are a “popularity” contest.

“We had a 1,000-yard rusher every year I was there [except for one],’’ Smith said. “You’ve got to look at my complete body of work. During my era, we won more games than just about anybody. At the end of the day, what I cared about more than anything was winning, and they can’t take the Super Bowls away from me.”

Over the course of his 14-year career, Smith totaled 11,389 yards and 68 touchdowns on 849 catches. He was the NFL’s receptions leader in 2001 and has been inducted into the Broncos’ Ring of Honor.

Will he eventually have a stop in Canton?

Rod Smith’s big numbers during Denver’s Super Bowl run

A lot of fans would point to John Elway and Terrell Davis as Denver’s top offensive weapons during those two Super Bowl victories following the 1997 and 1998 seasons. And it’s a fair thought. But Smith made just as much of an impact.

During Denver’s first Super Bowl run, Smith ended the regular season with 1,180 yards and 12 touchdowns on 70 catches. He then had 11 catches for 205 yards and a touchdown in the playoffs.

The following season, Smith posted even better numbers. The receiver had 86 receptions for 1,222 yards and six touchdowns. In the playoffs, he hauled in 12 catches for 260 yards and two scores.

In eight of his 14 NFL seasons, Smith exceeded the 1,000-yard mark — including a run of six straight seasons (1997-2002) of hitting the milestone. So, maybe he has a point when he talks about having the credentials to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Smith’s accomplishments in the NFL are even more impressive, as he was undrafted out of Missouri Southern.