PFT: Marvel Smith to Retire
 

Once again, I have to tip my hat to the Steelers for knowing just the right time to cut ties. And thanks, Marvel, for all your contributions to the team!
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Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on August 28, 2009 3:11 PM ET
Just moments after we posted on 49ers tackle Marvel Smith possibly retiring, Mike Florio has confirmed through a league source that Smith is, indeed, through with football.

Smith was originally expected to start at right tackle, but his back problems wouldn't allow it. It's uncertain if Smith earned any guaranteed money from the 49ers, but the team did include clauses in their contract with Smith to protect them from injuries.

Smith won two Super Bowl rings in nine seasons with Pittsburgh, and started throughout their championship run after the 2005 season.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...smith-is-done/

Re: PFT: Marvel Smith to Retire
 

so i guess he doesn't qualify for a comp pick right?

oh well, Smith was a great player for us for many years. I wish him luck

Re: PFT: Marvel Smith to Retire
 

The Steelers knew his back was terminal. On one hand I feel bad for him because the game I love and he love ruined him, but on the other, I'd sacrifice my back to play NFL football in second.

Smith was a good guy and I'm sad to see him retire, but it IS another example having perfect timing.

Re: PFT: Marvel Smith to Retire
 

While it's another example that our front office is very smart by cutting ties with players at the right time.

It is also sad because when he was healthy Smith was one hell of a player, not the greatest LT to ever play but he was pretty damn good.

I hope his back heals up so he can live a normal life outside of football.

Re: PFT: Marvel Smith to Retire
 

I thought his best year was when he was on the right side and we had Gandy on the left.

i remember them pulling him a lot on sweeps and screens and he was a badass in the open field

he did make the probowl as a LT and has 2 SB rings......heck of a career! :drink:

Re: PFT: Marvel Smith to Retire
 

Ahh, that's too bad. But you kind of saw it coming.

In hindsight, that idea about ditching Starks and keeping Smith around and hoping for the best was pretty wishful thinking, and we would've ended up with a rookie left tackle this season.

Re: PFT: Marvel Smith to Retire
 

Good luck in retirement Marvel. He's still a Stiller in my eyes. :drink:

Good job by the FO.

Funny, I remember talk of Marvel being a bust his first season or so. Hard to believe that "fan GMs" could have been wrong .... well, just that one time maybe.:scratchchin:

Re: PFT: Marvel Smith to Retire
 

Good luck in retirement:drink::drink::drink:

Re: PFT: Marvel Smith to Retire
 

yep wouldn't even give it a second thought if someone said to me, "you can start at position X in the Big Show, but you'll have chronic back pain later".
ME: " where do I sign?"

and yep---thanks for being a Stiller :drink:

Re: PFT: Marvel Smith to Retire
 

Wish him the best...

And thank you FO for your heads up call on releasing him.