Jimmy Smith Retires A Raven
Jimmy Smith is officially calling it a career as he will announce his retirement from the NFL in a special press conference hosted by the Ravens. The 11-year vet and lifetime Raven was one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL during his time in Baltimore.
Drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft, and helped the Ravens to AFC North division title and an appearance in the AFC title game. In week seven Smith would become a full time starter after replacing an injured Ladarius Webb. Smith would never look back as he would go on that season to record 34 tackles, and three pass deflections on the way to helping the Ravens win Super Bowl 47. Smith will always be remembered for sealing the Ravens Super Bowl victory on a goal line stand late in the game. On fourth and goal with just minutes remaining and the game on the line, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick looked for his receiver Michael Crabtree in the end zone one-on-one with Smith. Smith’s close coverage wouldn’t allow the pass to be completed as the Ravens would go on to defeat the 49ers 34-31, Smith’s first and only Super Bowl victory.
During his 11-year career Smith played in 128 career games recording 14 interceptions, good for seventh all-time in Ravens history, two of which went for touchdowns. Smith also had 74 career pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and 374 combined tackles.
