Steve Smith, Sr., a 16-year NFL veteran and former five-time pro bowl, three-time all-pro receiver for the Carolina Panthers, will present “Perseverance, Teamwork and Overcoming Obstacles”  in a keynote address on Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 11.00 a.m., at METALCON 2018 in Charlotte, N.C.

Smith will describe the many obstacles he had to face and overcome to make it to the NFL.  From struggles in his personal life to overcoming injuries and facing adversities on and off the playing field, Smith will ignite and motivate attendees to be the best they can be, both as individuals and as team players.

Considered one of the NFL's most productive wide receivers of the 21st century, Smith is the Panthers' all-time leader in total touchdowns, receptions and receiving yards.   He was drafted from the University of Utah in the third round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers, where he spent 13 seasons before signing with the Baltimore Ravens in 2014, where he remained until his retirement in 2017.  Smith won the Ed Block Courage Award, was twice named NFL Man of the Year while with the Baltimore Ravens and was nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

Towards the close of his NFL career, Smith and his wife, Angie, founded the Steve Smith Family Foundation, dedicated to helping families impacted by domestic violence and to promoting child health and wellness.    As a child, Smith was greatly affected by domestic violence.  Sports became his escape, and allowed him to start a new chapter in his life.  Even with his new NFL fame and fortune, he never forgot where he came from.

Through the foundation, Smith is able to provide hope and inspiration to children by offering sporting events such as summer camps, golf, bowling, running events and other programs that promote healthy living.  Charlotte area families facing personal and family struggles and challenges can access medical and counseling services at the Smith Family Wellness Center, established together with Project 658 in 2016.

After 16 seasons in the NFL, Smith continues to pursue his love for football.  He works as an analyst for the NFL Network and appears on numerous network shows including NFL GameDay First, which airs during the NFL season.

“Steve has had an incredible life journey, and we are delighted to have him join us in Charlotte to hear his story and how he overcame the hurdles he faced along the way,” said METALCON Show Director, Claire Kilcoyne.  “His success story is sure to motivate attendees to reach their professional and personal goals.”

METALCON 2018, the metal construction industry’s largest international event for metal construction products, technologies and solutions, takes place from Oct. 10 - 12 at the Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St, Charlotte, NC 28202.  For more information or to register, visit www.metalcon.com.