CHARLOTTE, N. Khalil Greene Jersey .C. -- The Steve Smith era in Carolina is over. The Panthers released their all-time leading receiver on Thursday after 13 seasons. Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman said it "was not an easy decision" in a press release. "Steve has been one of the NFLs finest receivers for over a decade and has been the face of the franchise for a large part of the teams history," Gettleman said. "As a team, we made a step forward last year; however we are also a team in transition, which is a part of the NFL." Smith said on radio Thursday hes not angry about the decision. "Its devastating to hear that you are getting fired, but its also exciting because that frees me up to be pursued by other teams," Smith told Taylor Zarzour of SiriusXMs Bleacher Report Radio." I have never become a free agent before so I will get a few free dinners out of it at some nice expensive restaurants. I want to enjoy the experience that, frankly, I will never experience again." Smith reiterated he wants to play in the NFL and that being released "awoke a sleeping giant" inside of him. The decision comes one day after Smiths agent, Derrick Fox, told The Associated Press that the 13-year NFL veteran "is not going to play for the Panthers next year, I know that." Fox said the Panthers never asked Smith, who turns 35 in May, to restructure his current contract. The Panthers were unable to trade Smith, who was set to cost $7 million under this years salary cap. The Panthers still owe Smith $3 million this season. The decision has not been a popular one among Carolina fans. Gettleman addressed that in his press release. "When I took this position I knew that difficult decisions would have to be made along the way," Gettleman said. "To move on from a storied veteran player is probably the most difficult of all. A decision not to be taken lightly. However, after much thought I feel very strongly its the right one." "As Ive stated many times, all decisions I make will be in the long-term best interest of the Carolina Panthers. Decisions, either popular or unpopular, have to be made for the greater good and it is imperative to take an unemotional global view. Sometimes it may appear that short term interests will suffer, and I can assure you we have no interest in taking a step back from our 2013 accomplishments." The Panthers also lost wide receivers Domenik Hixon and Ted Ginn Jr. to free agency on Thursday. Hixon signed with the Chicago Bears and Ginn with the Arizona Cardinals. Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn told The Associated Press he has signed with the Minnesota Vikings for a deal that could pay him $15 million over three years with incentives. One possible replacement at wide receiver is free agent Hakeem Nicks, a Charlotte native who played for New York Giants. The Smith move marks the end of an era for the Panthers. Smith joined the team as a third-round draft pick out of Utah in 2001. He made an immediate impact in the NFL, returning the opening kickoff of the season for a touchdown against the Vikings. He became the first Panthers rookie selected to the Pro Bowl, earning that honour as a return specialist. Known for his feisty behaviour on the field, Smith became a dominant receiver over the next 12 seasons. He is Carolinas all-time leader with 75 total touchdowns and has 836 receptions for 12,197 yards. "On the football field Steve had a competitive arrogance that (was) second to none -- second to none," said former Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme in a telephone interview. "That helped him be as good as he was. He made other guys step up their game. But off the field he was totally different. He loves his wife and his family. Hes a genuinely good person with a great heart." Panthers coach Ron Rivera said in the release: "He is a great competitor with Hall of Fame-worthy statistics and has made a great contribution to our community." Fox said Smith would have welcomed a chance to move inside to slot receiver, but the team never offered him that opportunity. As productive as Smith was, his fiery personality often rubbed people the wrong way, and some viewed him as a distraction in the locker room. Smith had run-ins with teammates on at least two occasions. He punched out fellow wide receiver Anthony Bright in a film room fight and later socked cornerback Ken Lucas on the field during a practice at training camp in Spartanburg, S.C. On both occasions, Smith was suspended by the team. Delhomme said that was a "humbling experience" for Smith, who apologized to Lucas and the teams fans after the incident. Despite the two incidents, Smith was immensely popular with the fan base, in large part due to his production on the field. He also worked hard to change his public image over the last several years and has been an active member of the Charlotte community. When asked if he was surprised Smith was released, Delhomme said, "It does surprise, but thats the NFL. I mean, look, Peyton Manning plays for the Denver Broncos -- that the way it goes." NOTES: Panthers backup quarterback Derek Anderson announced Thursday on Twitter he has re-signed with Carolina for a fourth season. Anderson tweeted: "Happy to be coming back to Charlotte next season!" Jackie Robinson Jersey . Rob Klinkhammer and Mikkel Boedker scored 63 seconds apart in the first period for the Coyotes, who handed the Kings their third straight loss and took over sole possession of eighth place in the Western Conference. Mike Smith made 36 saves. Jason Bartlett Jersey . Globo TV and other news outlets said early Monday that Scolari will not remain as coach after the national teams failure to win the World Cup at home. https://www.cheappadresjerseys.us/1723m-chris-paddack-jersey-padres.html . Among the six changes: Drivers are now eligible if they have competed for 30 or more years in NASCAR or turned 55 in the calendar year before nominating day. Previously, drivers were not eligible until they had been retired for three years, so drivers can continue to compete and still reach the hall.Notable players: Ilya Kovalchuk (2001-2010), Dany Heatley (2001-2004), Marc Savard (2002-2006), Ray Ferraro (1999-2002), Vyacheslav Kozlov (2002-2010), Milan Hnlilcka (2000-2003) and Patrick Stefan (1999-2006).Best jersey: Thrashers home jerseys (introduced in 2007)(Image via Alumni.Edu)Worst jersey: 2008 alternate jersey (introduced in 2008)(Image via Yahoo)Best smile: Danny Heatley(Image via Photobucket.com)Best highlight reel: Ilya KovalchukBest fan moment: This guy chugs a beer and goes nuts.Worst fan moment: After initially drawing an average of 17,000 fans in their inaugural 1999-00 season, the Thrashers attendance averaged just under 13,700 fans in their final three seasons.Best moustache: That would belong to goaltender Chris Mason, whose moustache game evolved during his team with the Thrashers.(Image via Top Cheese Hockey)Best fighter: Eric Boulton (Amassed 639 penalty minutes during his six seasons with the Thrashers)Mascot: Thrash (fun fact, Thrash was once "arrested" for stealing a Zamboni in one of the most bizarre ticket sale attempts in the history of hockey (Image via Hockey News Central)Last game: April 10th, 2011 5-2 loss to Pittsburgh PenguinsLast goal: Tim Stapleton from Nik Antropov and Ron HainseyCaptain: Andrew LaddWhyd the move? The Thrashers faced financial loss and ownership problems. True Sports Entertainment bought the Thrashers on May 31, 2011.Relocated: The team moved to Winnipeeg as the Jets were reformed. Manuel Margot Jersey. hat does a former player have to say?Colby Armstrong(Image via hockeyfortheladies.blogspot.com)What was it like to play in Atlanta?Getting traded from Pittsburgh to Atlanta all I thought was "oh well I guess its going be shorts all the time," but as I came to find its a lot colder than I thought and snowed a few times a year there. It was a beautiful city and great place to live but didnt seem like much of a sports town as Pittsburgh was. From what Id heard its a transplant city where people come from all over to work there. This showed during games as out crowds were smaller and when playing certain teams there teams fans came out and were so loud when they scored. Its too bad hockey didnt work there. Great place live and play if the support and hockey had been better.Whats your fondest memory of Atlanta?My fondest memory would have to be getting married there. It was a great time and major hot out. Also both my kids were born there which is pretty cool also. We have a few pretty good friends who are local to Atlanta that we remain close with to this day. On the hockey side of things I had a 22-goal season which as a player is a pretty special thing. Felt like I scored every game I couldnt imagine being Stamkos and what that would feel like. Just snipin beauts literally every game for real.(Stats and info from Hockeydb, jersey info via Coolhockey.com) ' ' '