Sports

NFL's Steve Smith Sr. Says He's Done 'Antagonizing' Opponents

The Baltimore Ravens wide receiver officially retired from football in a way only he could: with a hilarious letter to the NFL commissioner.

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr.
Getty Images / Chris Graythen

Who else would fire off one last shot like this in a retirement letter?

It's official my letter to the @NFL #agent89 out ✌#stevesmithsr #RavensFlock #SSmithWPMOYchallenge pic.twitter.com/CMW2PXDPkd— Steve Smith Sr (@89SteveSmith) January 6, 2017

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. posted the letter on Twitter on Friday morning and said he will "no longer be antagonizing defensive backs." Smith, 37, will retire with 1,031 catches, 14,731 yards and 81 touchdowns in 16 seasons.

Smith first announced in August 2015 he planned to retire after the 2015-2016 season, but a torn Achilles put him out for the rest of the season after just eight games. In December 2015, Smith delayed his retirement, tweeting that he would stick around with the Ravens for one more season.

Wit the blessing of My Family, Friends & Fans!! 2016 Let's give'em Hell 😂#SmithWPMOYChallenge #SmithWPMOYChallenge pic.twitter.com/RxBQMHGLT2— Steve Smith Sr (@89SteveSmith) December 30, 2015

Smith retires as a five-time Pro Bowler. He's 12th in league history in receptions and seventh in receiving yards.