Steve Smith Sr. didn’t choose No. 89, No. 89 chose him.
On this past Wednesday’s episode of his podcast Cut To It, the Carolina Panthers legend recalled the origins of his immortalized uniform number. Here, in what he calls a “unique story,” is how 89 became 89:
Smith Sr., or just Smith at the time, was selected by the Panthers in the third round of the 2001 NFL draft. By then, the No. 89 uniform had been worn twice following Rae Carruth’s final season in 1999—with wideouts Dialleo Burks and Iheanyi Uwaezuoke taking it up during the 2000 campaign.
But, as hoped, Smitty took the digits and turned them into his own.
89 went on to play 13 seasons in Charlotte—becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions (836), receiving yards (12,197) and receiving touchdowns (67). He also helped push the Panthers to four of their eight all-time playoff appearances, two of their five NFC South division titles and one of their two Super Bowl appearances.
No Panther has gone on to wear No. 89 since Smith Sr,’s departure after the 2013 season.
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