Avast ye hearties! Richard Sherman be recollectin' the scallywag DeVonta Smith's cunning route, makin' him ready to hang up his boots!
2023-07-09
Arr, matey! Richard Sherman be a mighty fine cornerback who set foot upon the NFL field. But alas, the scurvy dog sensed the precise moment when his trusty cleats be needin' a final rest in the 2021 season.
Richard Sherman, once considered the best cornerback in the NFL, revealed that a specific play against rookie DeVonta Smith convinced him it was time to retire. Sherman, a five-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2021 season after playing with the San Francisco 49ers. However, during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Smith ran a route that caused Sherman to injure his groin and realize he couldn't keep up with the young players anymore. Despite Sherman's belief that he couldn't handle Smith, the rookie only had two catches for 31 yards in the game. The Buccaneers went on to win the game 28-22. Injuries also plagued Sherman's final year, with a calf injury and Achilles injury ending his season prematurely. He played just five games with the Bucs, but managed to record one interception and a fumble recovery. Sherman acknowledged Smith's talent, as the Alabama product had an impressive sophomore season with 1,196 yards and seven touchdowns. Following his retirement, Sherman transitioned to a career in sports media.