Steve Smith All-Time Receiving Yards Leader

Triple Crown winner and postseason yards-per-game record holder.

Steve Smith is an American former professional football wide receiver who played in the NFL for 16 seasons, primarily with the Carolina Panthers. He played college football for the Utah Utes and was selected by the Panthers in the third round of the 2001 NFL draft.

Quick Facts

Role: Wide Receiver
Affiliation: Carolina Panthers (2001–2013), Baltimore Ravens (2014–2016)
Tenure: 2001–2013 (13 seasons with Carolina)
Draft: 2001, 3rd round
Franchise record: All-time receiving yards leader
Pro bowl: Selected (2005)
Notable team: 2003 NFC South Champions (11-5)

Lore & Background

Smith spent 13 seasons in Carolina and three with the Baltimore Ravens. A five-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time All-Pro, he led the league in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns in 2005. At retirement, he ranked seventh in NFL career all-purpose yards (19,180), seventh in career receiving yards (14,731), twelfth in career receptions (1,031), and 26th in receiving touchdowns (81). He amassed 89 total touchdowns in the regular season and 100 including the postseason.

Reader's Guide

In 2005, Smith became the only player in NFL history to lead the league in receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and receptions (receiving triple crown) despite being on a team ranked 28th in pass attempts. In 2008, he became the only player to lead the league in receiving yards per game despite being on an offense that was last in pass attempts. He produced the highest yards per team pass attempt in the modern era in 2008 (4.03). He holds the NFL record for highest career receiving yards per game average in the postseason (91.0) among players with a minimum of 10 playoff games.