Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith ranks among the team's all-time best receivers and returners. In his eight-year career, he has set the franchise record for touchdowns (45) and has finished a season with more than 1,000 yards receiving four times.
Over his career with the Panthers, Smith has been involved in the following off-the-field activities:
Community Activities
» Steve is a team captain of the Fit Squad, the team's popular elementary physical fitness program
» Panthers spokesperson for What Moves U, a fitness program for middle school students
» In addition to making school appearances, he takes time out of his busy game day preparation to visit with a child during each home game who has a terminal illness or is overcoming medical obstacles. Steve stops by to greet the family, take photos and autographs a game ball for the child.
» Athletes United for Youth's Coat Drive for Kids benefiting Crisis Assistance Ministries
» Serves as a mentor and friend to the boys of the Carolina Panthers Courage House and buys them season tickets.
» National spokesperson for the NFL and American Heart Association's youth health and fitness initiative.
Personal Foundation
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith has worked tireless in the community since joining the team in 2001. He has made on-going significant positive impacts with students, at-risk youth and underprivileged families in the Carolinas. He is an active participant in the team's annual community programs and with his foundation, Athletes United for Youth. In 2006, Steve along with two other Charlotte former athletes formed the foundation which provides youth services to children in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. They provide a strong commitment to building character and self-esteem as well as enhancing academic skills and creating model citizens for life. He is personally active in the foundation taking time to visit each of the locations on a regular basis, visiting with the children, helping with homework and sharing words of wisdom. This summer, he purchased 195 tickets to a local theme park for youth and staff members from the foundation's summer school program. Not only did he provide funding, Steve went on the trip and provided spending money for all of the children.
He also formed the Steve Smith Kickoff Club at the Highland Renaissance Academy and rewards children who reach certain homework and attendance goals with a pizza party.
