The Facts: Smith displayed his traditionally feisty personality and his sense of humor Thursday when the subject of his age and longevity was raised. The five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver celebrated his 36th birthday this month as he heads into his second season with the Ravens and his 15th year in the NFL. Unlike Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice, Smith has no intentions of playing past age 40. "I have got a lot of things on my to-do list that don’t have anything to do with football," Smith said. "I'm going to take it day by day, but I will not be playing until I’m 40."

Diehards Line: Rice retired when he was 42 years old in 2005 after setting NFL records with 1,549 catches, 22,895 yards and 208 touchdowns. Smith, meanwhile, is entering the second year of a three-year, $11 million contract. Smith always planned to play at least two seasons when he signed with the Ravens last year, a source with knowledge of his thinking told Sun staffer Aaron Wilson. At this point, Smith has left it open for perhaps playing another season beyond this one. A year ago after being cut by the Carolina Panthers after 13 seasons, Smith led the Ravens with 79 receptions for 1,065 yards. He started every game for the Ravens last season and also caught eight passes for 145 yards and a touchdown in two playoff games. “Yeah, I’m 36, and I remember last year when I signed here you guys weren’t expecting anything from a 35-year-old," Smith said. It's safe to say that's changed.