A long-overdue moment for a Broncos great

From undrafted rookie to record-breaking Bronco

When Rod Smith arrived in Denver in 1994, few expected him to even make the team. He wasn’t a first-round draft pick, nor did he come from a powerhouse college program. He was just a determined young man from the University of Missouri Southern State, carrying nothing but a dream and a chip on his shoulder.

But it didn’t take long for Smith to prove that heart often outweighs hype. In his second career game, he caught a game-winning touchdown from John Elway — a moment that would set the tone for a career defined by clutch performances and quiet excellence.

The embodiment of Denver grit

The quiet legend among giants

Despite his success, Rod Smith’s name rarely appears in the same conversations as receivers like Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, or Terrell Owens. But among those who played with or against him, there’s little doubt about his greatness.

Shannon Sharpe, Hall of Fame tight end and Smith’s longtime teammate, has long campaigned for his induction:

The emotional reaction from Denver

The Hall of Fame selection process

The man beyond football

Since retiring, Rod Smith has transitioned into a successful career as a motivational speaker, author, and entrepreneur. His book, “The Rod Effect,” details the principles that guided his unlikely rise from obscurity to greatness — hard work, faith, and the power of belief.

He frequently mentors young athletes and business leaders, often reminding them that “greatness doesn’t start on draft day — it starts with mindset.”

What this means for Denver and for football history