Detroit Lions running back Kevin Smith has suffered through plenty of disappointment during his NFL career, so the recent ascension of Mikel Leshoure to the top of the depth chart and the impending return of Jahvid Best isn't going to rattle him. The 25-year-old former third-round pick from the 2008 NFL Draft has not been healthy enough to play a full slate of 16 games since his rookie season, but at this point in his career he considers himself a veteran leader who is motivated by more than just playing time (via the Detroit Free Press):
"I play for my teammates and obviously this organization, so if they needed me to sing Lions marching down the field, seriously, I'm all for it," Smith said. "Whatever they ask. I have no problems, I'm not frustrated at all. Obviously I want to play. Obviously I want to play, but if I'm not playing I stay in my guys' ears, I still consider myself the leader of this group."
Smith has played in three games and started two so far in 2012, rushing for 115 yards and one touchdown on 29 carries.