Steve Smith pays tribute to Jordan Gross

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith has paid tribute to his long-time teammate Jordan Gross, who announced his retirement on Tuesday.

Smith and Gross have been together with the Panthers since the latter was drafted in 2003, while they also played in the same college team before both made it into the NFL.

Gross has now decided to end his 11-year career with the team having made a record 167 starts, and Smith was quick to show his appreciation for the left tackle.

Since 1999 until 2day @J2theGross and I have been in same huddle. Today its has stopped I salute JG great player better man!!! Love ya

— Steve Smith (@89SteveSmith) February 25, 2014

The Panthers are likely to dip into free agency or the Draft in an attempt to replace Gross during the off-season.