After The Baltimore Ravens 27-10 loss to the Bengals yesterday, Steve Smith said his final goodbye to a CBS reporter.

He was clearly choked up by admitting that this was going to be his last game.

“This morning my wife sent me a text, and they weren’t here. My family wasn’t here because if they were here, I would have lost it,” the legendary receiver commented.

“I enjoyed it, but you know it’s over, it’s done,” he said. “I know it’s my time. Some people say, ‘Can I play another year?’ I probably could, but what I lose, I’m not willing to risk.”

When asked how he felt, Smith said, “A little bit of relief. You know playing this game and expectations that are expected from you. The pressure that I’ll have now is getting the kids to school on time, do I eat a pint of ice cream or a gallon of ice cream? You know, do I want to workout on the treadmill or stairmaster?”

Smith, a five-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All-Pro, emerged as one of the NFL’s most productive wide receivers of the 21st century, leading the league in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns in 2005. He spent his entire career with the Panthers until signing with the Ravens in March 2014, and is the Panthers’ all-time leader in total touchdowns (67), receptions (836), and receiving yards (12,197). In 2011, he became the 35th player in NFL history to amass 10,000 receiving yards. In 2016, Smith became the 14th player in NFL history to amass 1,000 career receptions.

He will now be returning to his hometown of Charlotte, NC where his wife and kids currently live.

How do you feel about Steve Smith coming home?

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