Five Arizona Cardinals Who Should Be in the Ring of Honor
By Jeremy Meek
Jackie Smith is a Hall of Fame tight end, and one of the greatest Cardinals ever
Like Ottis Anderson, Jackie Smith will forever be remembered by some for what he did in a different uniform. Unlike Anderson, Smith’s memory will be tied to an unpleasant moment. A dropped touchdown pass in the Super Bowl continues to be the lasting image from his career.
That missed opportunity isn’t what defines Smith, however. That one play goes against what was a great career. What he did in 15 seasons prior to that one made him a Hall of Famer.
Smith helped to revolutionize what a tight end could do in the NFL. His best season came in 1967 when he recorded 56 catches for over 1,200 yards and 9 touchdowns. He went to the second of his five Pro Bowls that year.
In a time where tight ends weren’t supposed to be weapons, Smith put up great numbers, and is still the third leading receiver in team history. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1994, and if he’s good enough for Canton, he’s good enough for the Ring of Honor.