NFL Legend Steve Smith Apologizes for Feud with Broncos’ Jerry Jeudy
In a surprising turn of events, former Carolina Panthers great Steve Smith has issued an apology to Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy after their recent feud captured the attention of the NFL community. Smith addressed the incident during an appearance on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” on Friday, expressing remorse for his harsh words towards Jeudy.
“I apologize for how I said it, what I said, and it didn’t sit well. That wasn’t my intent, but what’s done is done and I’m sorry,” Smith said during the interview. “It makes me more aware that I gotta use different words and not make it come across like I’m jealous or envious of the current players, because I’m not.”
The feud between Smith and Jeudy began on October 12, before a “Thursday Night Football” game. Smith, who was working for the NFL Network at the time, revealed that he had previously referred to Jeudy as a “JAG” (Just A Guy) on his podcast and had reached out to apologize. However, when they ran into each other, Jeudy allegedly dismissed Smith and even cursed at him. Smith, known for his fiery personality, responded on NFL Network with strong words:
“I’m sorry I said you were a ‘JAG,’ just a guy, who is an average wide receiver they used a first-round pick on that isn’t doing anything. I hope today you actually show up in a way you haven’t shown up in the last couple years since they drafted you.”
Smith continued his criticism, stating, “So if you ever got a problem with Agent 89, I’m sorry for saying you’re an average wide receiver that they will eventually move on [from]. And when teams call me and ask if they should trade for you, I would say no, don’t trade for Jerry Jeudy. Because he’s mentally unable to handle constructive criticism from people who watch specifically, can he be a wide receiver? He can be a wide receiver. He’s a tier three.”
It took a week for Jeudy to respond to the matter, mentioning that he was unaware of Smith’s intentions to apologize and felt put off by Smith approaching him after criticizing him. Jeudy expressed his discomfort with the attention, especially considering the ongoing speculation surrounding his future with the Broncos, as the NFL trade deadline looms on Tuesday.
During his appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Smith revealed that he had initially wanted to apologize to Jeudy upon learning of his dissatisfaction but reacted badly when Jeudy responded with profanity. Smith admitted his emotional response and reiterated his apology:
“What I said and how I said it, it wasn’t the best way to say it. Because of that, I really didn’t pay it any attention because it had come and gone. When it led up to this year, I had heard some things that it just didn’t sit well with him.”
“When I approached Jerry Jeudy, I wanted to say I apologize because it was the type of words that I used that obviously did not sit well with him, and that’s more important than walking back my words. If you can talk about a man, you’ve got to be able to look that man in the eye and say something and give him an opportunity.”
Smith’s apology essentially revolves around his reaction to Jeudy’s negative response to his initial attempt to apologize.
While there may be debates regarding Jeudy’s NFL career and whether he has lived up to expectations as the 15th overall pick, it is rare for a player to receive a public apology from someone as respected and notorious as Steve Smith.
As this feud comes to an end, it remains to be seen how it will affect the relationship between Smith and Jeudy moving forward. Nonetheless, the NFL community is hopeful that both parties can put this incident behind them and focus on their respective careers.