Smith Leaves Vikings at Top of His Game

M I N N E A P O L I S, Feb. 8 -- Robert Smith is trading in his footballuniform, perhaps for a lab coat.

Smith hasn't said what he will do next, only that it won't beplaying running back for the Minnesota Vikings or anyone else inthe NFL.

The agent for the 28-year-old running back, Neil Cornrich,confirmed Wednesday that Smith is retiring after eight seasons withthe Vikings. Smith is leaving the NFL at the top of his game, muchlike 31-year-old Barry Sanders before the 1999 season, and at theheight of his earning power as an unrestricted free agent.

Career in Medicine?

Cornrich dismissed the idea that the oft-injured back, whorecently underwent a third knee operation, was tired of thepounding.

"He could easily play five more years without jeopardizing hishealth," Cornrich said. "He just decided to go in anotherdirection."

That direction is uncertain, although Smith has said he mightconsider a career as a medical researcher. He pursued a historydegree with a strong emphasis on science at Ohio State and isinterested in a variety of topics such as calculus, moleculargenetics and classical music.

Last season, he said he thought he would be in medical school bynow.

"I enjoy football more than I thought I would," Smith told theSaint Paul Pioneer Press. "I honestly didn't think I would play aslong as I have. But once you're out there and enjoying it, it'scompletely different."

In a brief statement Tuesday to The Plain Dealer,Smith let his reasons for leaving remain a mystery. In thestatement, Smith thanked his family and friends, fans and theVikings organization.

"I also wanted to thank my teammates and coaches for believingin me throughout my career," he said.

The retirement leaves a large hole in the Vikings' offense.

Smith, the Vikings' first-round pick in 1993, led the NFC byrushing last season with 1,521 yards in his first complete 16-gameseason. He broke the organization's career rushing record, held byChuck Foreman, with 6,818 yards.