Panini America to Honor Denver Broncos Great Rod Smith with Special Card Set

Between his first career catch in the NFL (a scintillating 43-yard game-winner from John Elway as time expired against the Washington Redskins in 1995) and his record-setting 849th and final grab in 2006, Denver Broncos legend Rod Smith used his reliable hands to manufacture one of the greatest careers by an undrafted player in NFL history.

Along the way, Smith provided some of the most spectacular moments in Broncos history, not the least of which was his 80-yard touchdown reception from Elway in Denver’s Super Bowl XXXIII triumph over the Atlanta Falcons. By the time he retired after 14 seasons, he did so with more catches, more yards (11,389) and more touchdowns (68) than any other receiver in team history.

This Sunday at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Smith will be rewarded, remembered and revered once again when he becomes the 23rd player inducted into the Broncos’ Ring of Fame. And Panini America will be there.

Panini America has partnered with the Broncos and Coca-Cola Zero to produce a special six-card Smith set that will be distributed Sunday to fans who attend Denver’s game against the Houston Texans. Each card in the set commemorates a different Smith accomplishment, including his Super Bowl XXXIII performance, becoming the Broncos’ all-time leading receiver, recording 100 yards receiving in each half in a 2004 game against Atlanta and eclipsing 10,000 career receiving yards.

Below is a complete preview gallery (fronts and backs) of this special set. If you’re going to the game on Sunday, please post a picture of you and your cards here at The Knight’s Lance, Tweet it out using the @PaniniAmerica handle or post it to our Facebook page.