Longtime Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith retired on Monday, marking the end of an illustrious 11-year career.
Drafted as the No. 27 overall pick in 2011, Smith spent his entire NFL career in Baltimore and will be memorialized for a handful of legendary moments, one of which was making key goal-line stops in the Ravens’ Super Bowl XLVII victory against the San Francisco 49ers.
Smith had hinted at his potential retirement last year, though he did say that if he were to keep playing football, he would only consider playing for Baltimore.
Smith remained a free agent since March with the looming possibility of returning to the team — the Ravens’ secondary could always use extra depth, but Smith ultimately decided to hang up his cleats in 2022.
The 34-year-old put together an impressive career that included 374 total tackles, 74 passes defended, 14 interceptions, and three defensive touchdowns.
Congratulations to Jimmy Smith in his retirement. He’ll always go down as a key member of the Super Bowl champion Ravens, defending Michael Crabtree in the end zone down the stretch. My best to him in his next chapter. pic.twitter.com/zVYUMgWkgh
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) October 3, 2022
Just spoke with #Ravens CB Jimmy Smith--retiring today after 11 seasons. Smith was in the middle of writing thank you notes to those who impacted his career when he returned my call telling me why it's time: "My body has taken a beating. My body is happy. I'm happy. No regrets."
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) October 3, 2022
Ravens CB Jimmy Smith will always be remembered for his Super Bowl performance
Smith was plagued by health issues throughout his career, and injuries likely played a factor in his decision to retire. Last year, Smith told reporters:
"“Part of it is, ‘Do I even want to put my body through something like this again?’ So I do cherish these last games. I’m getting old. I’ve been through a lot of injuries and they start to pile up on you.”"
Smith has missed at least four games in seven of his 11 seasons; in his final three years in Baltimore, Smith started just 12 games and was slowly being phased out of the defense.
His most devastating injury was arguably a season-ending foot fracture in 2014 when Smith was in his prime. Smith nonetheless has a ring to cap off a productive career with the Ravens and will be deeply missed as both a talented defender and respected leader in Baltimore.
Once a Raven, always a Raven. Jimmy Smith made his own unique mark in the NFL and deserves nothing but the best in his future endeavors.