“ Gives me chills ,” said Smith . “( My name ’ s ) going to be there forever . Hopefully my grandkids ’ kids will be able to see it . I was talking with Fred Taylor about the importance of having your name in that stadium and the responsibilities that are going to come with it . And that ’ s being a good role model and being someone who can help someone else . It means a lot to me .”
Smith , one of just three players to play more than ten seasons ( 1995-2005 ) for the Jaguars , still owns 11 team records 10 years after his retirement in 2006 . Among the Jaguars records Smith still holds are team marks for receptions in a season ( 116 ), receiving yards in a game ( 291 ) and receiving TDs in a game ( three ).
“ There is no question that Jimmy Smith was one of the best players to ever wear a Jaguars uniform ,” said Khan . “ His contributions in the early years were critical to the success the Jaguars enjoyed during that time . The fact that most of his records have stood for 10 years without being surpassed underscores what a great player he was . I wish I had personally seen Jimmy play more frequently but I am very happy that we will
Credit : AP
appropriately honor him at EverBank Field .”
A fan-favorite for his deep-threat abilities , Smith is known to longtime Jaguars fans as the electric half of the duo “ Thunder and Lightning ,” a nickname he shares with fellow Jaguars Legend Keenan McCardell .
This Sunday ’ s game will also serve as the team ’ s annual Homecoming game , with 60 Jaguars alumni on-hand to reunite and recognize Smith . Homecoming celebrations are part of the NFL ’ s league-wide Legends Community initiative .
Credit : AP
Jimmy Smith ( right ) joins fellow Jaguars Legends Keenan McCardell ( left ) and Mark Brunnell .