In the wake of layoffs at ESPN due to its merger with the NFL Network, the sports network is set to bring aboard former NFL wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. He is expected to fill some roles previously held by Cam Newton and Karl Ravech, according to Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports.
Smith, a prominent receiver who spent his career with the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens, will have a recurring role on various ESPN shows such as “Get Up,” “First Take,” and “NFL Live.” Smith joined NFL Network as an analyst after retiring in 2016 and hosts “The 89 Show,” a podcast that focuses on the wide receiver position, co-hosted with NFL Network’s James Palmer.
Smith’s podcast, named after his jersey number, gives a comprehensive perspective on wide receiver dynamics. Smith offers insights from his experience as a top player, while Palmer brings in expertise from his front-office and coaching sources to support or question Smith’s analysis, as reported by Sam Neumann of Awful Announcing.
Smith is known for his strong opinions, a trait exemplified by his public criticism of players like Jerry Jeudy of the Denver Broncos. Smith labeled Jeudy as “just a guy” or “JAG,” indicating he believed Jeudy was an average player. This critique was not well-received by Jeudy, despite Smith’s public attempts to apologize through NFL Network broadcasts.
“I’ll say it again, I’m sorry I said you were a JAG,” Smith remarked in an apology to Jeudy, urging him to demonstrate his capabilities on the field.
Smith’s apology continued, advising teams against trading for Jeudy due to his perceived inability to handle feedback constructively.Besides his critique of Jeudy, Smith also had a well-publicized conflict with former teammate Cam Newton, which they eventually resolved during a special episode of “The 89 Show.”