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Bronco Rob · #1 (**permalink**) July 14th, 2009

Rod Smith impressed by McDaniels

Texarkana native Rod Smith's first NFL reception was a gamewinning touchdown pass from John Elway, and more than 14 years later, Smith still knows how to make an entrance.

"Just got my Super Bowl rings cleaned," said Smith, kicking off a brief online chat on NFL.com Monday afternoon. "How about that?"

Smith has earned the right to casually mention his championship jewelry. He remains one of the state's alltime unlikely success stories, going undrafted out of NCAA Division II Missouri Southern but eventually becoming a threetime Pro Bowl selection who was part of two Super Bowl championship teams for the Denver Broncos. He retired in 2008 and ended his career with 11,389 receiving yards and 70 touchdowns.

Befitting someone who spent his entire career with one team, Smith remains a rabid Broncos fan. There have been plenty of reasons for Smith to keep up with his former squad, as much of the NFL's off-season news has centered on the imbroglio between newly hired Broncos Coach Josh McDaniels and 2008 Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler, who demanded a trade and was dealt to the Chicago Bears.

Smith said he's a fan of Cutler, but added the trade was likely necessary due to the gulf between the quarterback and coach.

"I think separation is good for both parties," Smith said. "Don't let it drag out and spill over to the rest of the roster."

Smith, who played his entire career for Mike Shanahan, said he's been impressed by McDaniels, the man who has replaced his old coach.

"He's earning respect by the discipline he's demanding each and every day," Smith said. "Not only from the players, but from the coaches."

Don't expect Smith to join those coaching ranks, or a staff elsewhere, anytime soon. Smith said that while he enjoys keeping up with football, his time has been mostly taken up by his family and work he's doing with a health beverage company.

"I don't see myself coaching," Smith said. "I love to teach football, but not coach. I have teenage kids, so my time is limited."

Rod Smith at a glance

HOMETOWN Texarkana COLLEGE Missouri Southern NOTEWORTHY Has been inducted into both the Division II and College Football Hall of Fame. ... Leads all undrafted NFL receivers in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns.