For 13 seasons, Steve Smith has been one of our favorite Carolina Panthers players. After a difficult decision, he was let go from the Panthers and picked up by the Baltimore Ravens the next day. Smith fans took to the internet to voice his or her emotions. Here are the five stages that we have all experienced:
Stage 1: Shock
When you first heard rumors that Steve Smith was being traded or released, you laughed it off. Until you found out that it was true. That’s when the shock set in…
Stage 2: Denial
The day news broke, your heart stopped for a second (and broke a little inside) while you thought that there must have been a mistake and tomorrow he would be back on the roster…he’ll be back, right?
Stage 3: Crying
The day after his release, you thought about how you can’t picture #89 anywhere else except in Charlotte and in the colors blue, black and silver. Rightfully so, your emotional rollercoaster began. It’s okay to cry.
Stage 4: Anger
After the news has sunk in, you reminisce about the 13 great seasons that Steve Smith played and how frustrated you are with the General Manager, Dave Gettleman is for letting him go. You may have even thought about creating a petition to get Gettleman fired (who’s judging?)
Stage 5: Contemplating becoming a Ravens fan to support him
When you saw #89 and Smith on the back of a purple and black Ravens jersey, you thought about buying it. Hey, maybe we can even watch the Ravens from now on? But, no matter what color he is wearing, Steve Smith will always be a Carolina Panther in your heart.
From the wise words of Steve Smith himself, he would tell us to “Ice Up Son!”