Ravens' Steve Smith announces plans to retire after 2015 season

The most quotable player in the NFL is hanging up his cleats - and taking all the blood and guts with him - at the conclusion of the 2015 season.

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith announced Monday that the upcoming season will be his last.

"I feel like this is the best place, if this is going to be the end, this will be the best place to end," Smith said.

He added: "It's always easier when you have a finish line. You get to let things loose."

In 14 seasons as a pro, 13 of them spent with the Carolina Panthers, the undersized Smith has made a habit of scorching defensive backs both with his play and his mouth. Retired cornerbacks Ronde Barber and Ike Taylor each called Smith the toughest receiver they ever had to cover.

Smith has a shot at enshrinement in the Hall of Fame. He's a five-time Pro Bowler, two-time first-team All-Pro and he ranks 14th on the all-time receiving list.