It doesn't sound like there will be blood and guts when the Ravens face the Panthers after all.
Newly-signed wide receiver Steve Smith made waves with an interview just after being released by the Carolina Panthers Thursday afternoon.
"If my new team] happens to run through Bank of America Stadium, put your goggles on cause there’s going to be [blood and guts everywhere," Smith told [add] WNFZ in Charlotte.
After signing with the Ravens one day later, Smith clarified his comments.
"That was more tongue in cheek; I wasn't literally saying that I don't like this organization anymore," Smith told reporters. "I love the organization. I love what they've done for me. I have nothing but respect for them."
The Panthers will come to M&T Bank Stadium at some point during the 2014 regular season. And it will give Smith a chance to show his former team that they made a mistake letting him go.
"I'm not coming to Baltimore with any chip on my shoulder. I'm coming to Baltimore as Steve Smith," he said.
Smith spent 13 years in Carolina, an extremely long time in the NFL. For perspective, Ed Reed played 11 years in Baltimore and will forever be considered a franchise great. When the Panthers cut Smith, fans protested outside the team's stadium.
But after signing with the Ravens, Smith seemed at peace with the move.
"To be honest, I wasn't frustrated," he said. "Things didn't happen, they didn't work out. But, I guess that's just how things go. Like I said, I don't harbor any bad feelings.
"I can't be upset at an organization that gave me everything, that gave me the opportunity to display for future teams – and display for the Baltimore Ravens – that I can still play. That's what they gave me, that opportunity. Because of that opportunity, that's why I'm able to continue to pursue playing football."
