Wide receiver Steve Smith said he still loves the Panthers organization despite what he feels was shabby treatment from General Manager Dave Gettleman at the end of his long run with the franchise, but that love does not extend onto the field of play.
Smith followed up his Wednesday night radio interview with an appearance on WFNZ with Frank Garcia and Mark Yarbro Thursday and reiterated both his distaste for the way the Panthers handled his departure and that he will always consider himself a member of the Panther and Charlotte communities. He was then asked about the possibility of playing against the Panthers in the future. The man who introduced “Ice up, son” to the lexicon last season didn’t disappoint with his answer.
“I want to make sure that whatever team I go to, they’re going to get the best, in shape 35-year-old guy they can get. If that happens to run through Bank of America Stadium, put your goggles on cause there’s going to be blood and guts everywhere,” Smith said.
Smith said that now that everything is settled, he’s going to have a “cup of coffee and relax” before figuring out what his next step might be. The Ravens have already been pegged as a favorite to land Smith and while they don’t play in Charlotte, Smith might enjoy knowing they do host Carolina next season.