An Emotional Steve Smith Confirms Retirement in Interview Following Final NFL Game

Steve Smith officially says farewell to the NFL.

Steve Smith speaks with reporter in final NFL game.
Image via USA Today Sports/Aaron Doster
Steve Smith speaks with reporter in final NFL game.

After 16 years in the NFL, Steve Smith has officially retired. Following the Baltimore Ravens' 31-27 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Smith posted a message on his Instagram account, hinting that his next game would be his last.

In the days leading up to Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Smith confirmed that he was most likely going to retire, calling it an "89 percent" possibility, a reference to the number he's worn throughout his NFL career. So, there was some hope that Smith could come away from today's contest, and feel like he needed to scratch the itch next season.

When asked if he was done after the Ravens' 27-10 loss to the Bengals, an emotional Smith told CBS' Jenny Hill, "Yeah, that's it."

Steve Smith Sr. tells CBS "that's it" after Ravens final game of the season. pic.twitter.com/EeCg8iHY9j

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) January 1, 2017

Smith is going home to Charlotte to be with his wife, and four kids, who he says "need their dad."   

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