Steve Smith Sr VS Depression.

Former Panthers and Ravens wide receiver and current NFL Network analyst Steve Smith Sr. acknowledged his battle with depression in a story published to NFL.com Tuesday.

Despite playing 16 seasons and catching 1,031 passes for 14,731 yards and scoring 81 touchdowns, Smith said he constantly doubted himself and tried to suppress any public acknowledgement of what he used to see as a weakness.

Smith said he went to counseling in 2013 for non-football related personal issues for the first time after becoming overwhelmed with various issues in coping with the pressure of playing in the NFL. Smith said he still goes to counselling to confront his depression.