Ravens WR Steve Smith Announces His Retirement

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith announced his retirement from the National Football League Monday during a press conference at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills.

Smith announced he would retire at the end of the 2015 season.

"I feel like it's time. I feel like this is the best place, if this is going to be the end, this will be the best place to end," Smith said.

Smith, 36, is entering his 15th season in the NFL. The Carolina Panthers drafted Smith with the 74th overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played his entire career with Carolina until signing and playing with the Baltimore Ravens in 2014 where he posted his eighth 1,000-yard season (79 receptions for 1,065 yards) with his new QB Joe Flacco.

"Hey, I think it's cool, and he has had a great career," said Flacco. "I think it is awesome to spend time with him at the end of his career and to see if we can win it for him going out."

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh called Smith a "pit bull" when talking about Smith's retirement announcement.

In:
• Carolina Panthers
• NFL
• Baltimore Ravens