Steve Smith Sr.
Career Stats: 219 games played (198 starts), 1,031 receptions, 14,731 yards, 81 TD
The future Hall of Famer might have continued playing until the age of 40 if it weren’t for an Achilles injury at the age of 38. Smith, a premier wide receiver for many years, showed that height isn’t the most important quality in a receiver. The seasoned Panther played with a chip on his shoulder at all times. He could race through or around opponents with his lightning-fast feet because he desired it so badly. Despite only being 5-foot-9, Smith was an exceptional chain mover with a flair for making third down conversions. One year after losing his leg, in 2005, Smith returned to the NFL and immediately set league records for 103 receptions, 1,563 yards, and 12 touchdowns. Throughout that period, Smith was the epitome of tenacity, toughness, and perseverance.
Steve Smith Sr.
Art Monk
Career Stats: 224 games played (194 starts), 940 receptions, 12,721 yards, 68 TD
In the 1980s, defensive backs had nightmares of defending Monk. Monk, a wide receiver who stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 210 pounds, used his body and athleticism to outrun DBs on his way to the end zone. The former Washington Redskin was forceful while assaulting. He would scare less talented players in the red zone by boxing them out like a basketball player going for a rebound. Monk was essentially the anti-receiver since he avoided talking much and preferred to block. Monk might have been converted to tight end given his skill set, but he was simply too excellent of an athlete to stay within the numbers. The Pro Football Hall of Famer and three-time Super Bowl victor was a superb athlete.
Art Monk
