Among active NFL players, only Tony Gonzalez (14,268) and Reggie Wayne (13,063) have more receiving yards than Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith's 11,452. By the time Smith retires, he could flirt with 14,000 yards and a spot in the top 10 on the NFL's all-time list.
Entering his 13th season, Smith told The Associated Press on Thursday that he wants to play "15 or 16 years" in the NFL, which would take him through the 2015 or 2016 seasons.
There's no reason to believe Smith can't stay productive. Despite bracket coverage and little consistent help on the opposite side, Smith has finished fifth and 12th in receiving yards in his first two years with Cam Newton at quarterback.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera recently noted that Smith looks like he's "25 again," diving for balls against the coaching staff's wishes during organized team activities.
Poor quarterback play marred three of Smith's past six seasons, but we know there's plenty of juice left in Smith's legs, even at age 33.
As football fans, we're eager to sit back and watch the Indian summer of the toughest receiver Ronde Barber ever covered.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
