Steve Smith Sr. rips Jerry Jeudy ahead of Broncos-Chiefs TNF game
Former NFL receiver and current analyst Steve Smith Sr. isn’t a huge fan of Denver receiver Jerry Jeudy — as a person or a player. That became pretty evident during NFL Network‘s pre-game coverage of Thursday night’s Broncos-Chiefs game.
Smith was heated with a pre-game exchange he had with Jeudy. He went into some details while on the air, and appeared to be pretty fired up about the receiver’s comments.
“I called out to him because, on my podcast, Cut to It, I just talked about guys that maybe have not showed up in the way or in the manner. And so the word I used to describe him in the past was ‘Jag,’ Just a guy,” Smith said. “So, when I saw him — he’s playing well, I wanted to say to him face-to-face, ‘Hey, I know I’ve said some things in the past I probably shouldn’t have and I’m sorry.'”
But Jeudy responded by saying, in the words of Smith, “I don’t mess with you.” Apparently, that did not sit well with the five-time Pro Bowl selection.
Jeudy’s reaction prompted Smith to go off on NFL Network.
“I’m sorry I said that you’re a Jag, just a guy. Who is an average wide receiver they used a first-round pick on that isn’t doing anything,” he said. “I hope today that you actually show up in a way that you haven’t showed up in the last couple years since they drafted you.
“When teams call me and ask should they trade for you, I will say no, don’t trade for Jerry Jeudy. Because he’s mentally unable to handle constructive criticism.”
Jeudy currently ranks third on the Broncos’ receivers list. He’s hauled in 17 catches for 208 yards.
Jeudy is in his fourth season in the NFL. The former Alabama standout has totaled 2,503 yards and nine touchdowns during his time with the Broncos. The 2022 campaign was the receiver’s most productive, piling up 972 yards and six touchdowns on 67 catches.
Entering Thursday Night Football, the Broncos own a dreadful 1-4 record. They’re taking on the Chiefs, sitting at 4-1 on the season. Kansas City ripped off four straight wins after a season-opening loss to Detroit.
Maybe Smith’s comments will give Jeudy the spark to put up big numbers on Thursday evening. Denver needs something if it hopes to keep up with the likes of Kansas City.