CINCINNATI -- The conversation between Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell after the Bengals' 27-10 victory over the Ravens was brief.
There was a hug, a few words exchanged, and then it was over. LaFell jogged to the locker room. Smith confirmed to a group of TV cameras trailing him that he would indeed retire after 16 seasons.
The two didn't need to say much to each other. They had said it all the night before.
"I didn't want to say anything out there to have my dude crying," LaFell said.