Utah Utes football: Ex-Ute receiver Smith gives back in a big way
The former University of Utah star, who is now an all-pro wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers, has made another big contribution to the Utes — this one off the field.
On Wednesday, Smith and his wife, Angie, pledged $250,000 to the Utah athletics department to endow a scholarship for a wide receiver.
The opportunity to give back, Smith explained, is like "the icing on the cake" and "the cherry on top of a sundae."
Smith hopes recipients of the scholarship will do the same thing one day and provide an opportunity for someone else.
"It works well," he said. "I think it's deserved by the U. and the things they provided for me. I'm doing the same in return."
Smith, who was a record-setting receiver and kick returner for the Utes from 1999-2000, was a third-round draft pick by the Panthers in 2001. He is a three-time Pro Bowl selection — making the Pro Bowl in 2002, 2006 and 2007 — and is the franchise's career leader in combined net yards (9,059).
"I never thought this day would come," Smith said when asked about his days as a Taco Bell employee making $6.15 per hour. "It's still surreal that I'm actually a professional football player and I'm actually pretty good. It really still amazes me."
"You're very, very fortunate to have this young man as a graduate and a person from your university," said Richardson. "He is an outstanding person and I'm very proud of him."
When a big replica check was unveiled for a photo shoot, Richardson walked over for a closer look.
"It's nice to see some of my money is well spent," he mused.
The donation is the fourth in what Utah officials hope is a series of major financial contributions (for scholarships or the renovation of athletic facilities) to the university by current professional athletes. Alex Smith, Andrew Bogut and Andre Miller have already made donations.
"I'm very grateful for Steve and his unselfishness and his generosity," said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham, who was the team's defensive coordinator when Smith played for the Utes.
"Just trying to cover him in practice was a big headache," Whittingham recalled before telling the gathering of media, boosters and university officials how Smith and defensive back Andre Dyson, who also went on to play in the NFL, used to have some great battles on the practice field.
In the official announcement released by the university, Whittingham noted that Smith's contribution is more than monetary.
"Steve is not only one of the greatest receivers ever to play for the University of Utah, he is recognized as one of the best receivers now playing in the NFL," said Whittingham. "Accepting a scholarship bearing Steve's name, in my mind, is accepting a commitment to play with an extraordinary passion and enthusiasm for the game."
Utah athletics director Chris Hill acknowledged it's always a thrill when a former student-athlete gives something back. Especially, he added, from a player who provided Utah fans with so many thrills on the field.
"I am so proud of Steve Smith for the person he has become. His accomplishments as an NFL wide receiver are well documented, but less is said about his generosity and the commendable way he lives his life," said Hill. "It's a great tribute to Steve that he wants to help wide receivers try and follow in his footsteps at the University of Utah and beyond. It is fitting that this award is named after both Steve and his wife Angie, who met and married while students at the University of Utah. This gift demonstrates their commitment as a couple to our football program."
E-mail: dirk@desnews.com
Recent comments
RE: You Yewts Are So Easy
Thanks for the terrific example...
Geezer | March 29, 2008 at 9:29 a.m.
You Yewts are so easy!
Someone calls Smith the best wide...
You Yewts are so easy! | March 29, 2008 at 1:26 a.m.
He has come a long way since his days here in Utah, he was a good...
Great guy | March 28, 2008 at 2:12 p.m.
