Steve Smith and his family thanked fans in a newspaper ad.
Steve Smith and family. (via the Charlotte Observer)

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Whenever a sports legend leaves a city during his career, it's pretty typical of said legend to take an ad out in the newspaper thanking fans. Steve Smith, having recently departed Carolina for Baltimore, is no different.

Smith took out a full-page ad in Saturday's Charlotte Observer thanking Panthers fans for his time in Charlotte and telling them he'll "always consider myself a Carolina Panther."

The full Steve Smith newspaper ad.

Smith, who was recently pulled over by the cops during a radio interview, signed a three-year, $11 million contract with the Ravens this offseason after Carolina released him.

He probably should've at least apologized in advance for all the blood and guts, though.