James Torrey Smith is a retired American football player who played wide receiver in the NFL. He played college football at the University of Maryland before being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2011. In addition to the Ravens, he played for the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Carolina Panthers. Smith is notable for winning two Super Bowl championships, one with the Ravens (Super Bowl XLVII) and one with the Eagles (Super Bowl LII).
James Torrey Smith was born on January 26, 1989. He would go on to have a successful career as a professional football player in the NFL.
In 2004, while playing for Stafford High School, Torrey Smith showcased his versatility on the field. In a game against King George High School, he had a 54-yard kickoff return, played quarterback, and scored on a 63-yard punt return, highlighting his athleticism and versatility.
During his senior year in 2006, Torrey Smith continued to excel on the football field. He recorded impressive stats with 155 carries for 815 yards and 12 touchdowns, along with 9 completed passes for 230 yards and 2 touchdowns. His performance earned him various honors and solidified his status as a top football prospect.
During his freshman year at Maryland in 2007, Torrey Smith showcased his skills on special teams and as a wide receiver. He set a school single-season kickoff return yards record and made significant contributions in games against tough opponents, establishing himself as a key player for the Terrapins.
Torrey Smith redshirted his freshman year at the University of Maryland in 2007. This period marked a significant transition for him as he switched from playing quarterback to wide receiver, a position he quickly adapted to with the help of his teammates and coaches.
In the 2008 Humanitarian Bowl, Torrey Smith made history with a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, breaking the bowl's record. This performance capped off a season where he set a new ACC single-season record for kickoff return yards, cementing his place as one of the most dynamic return specialists in college football.
Torrey Smith had a breakout season in 2008, playing in all 13 games for the Maryland Terrapins. He earned a starting position and excelled as both a wide receiver and a kickoff returner, becoming known for his long returns and consistent performance.
Despite facing challenges balancing practice and academics during the summer of 2009, Torrey Smith persevered and regained his form as a top wide receiver for Maryland. His determination and work ethic solidified his position as a key player for the team.
In 2009, Torrey Smith, despite being recruited by several colleges, chose to play for the University of Maryland, a decision fueled in part by doubts from the University of Virginia coaching staff about his speed after a previous injury. His decision proved fruitful, as he exceeded expectations and emerged as a superior player, proving his doubters wrong.
In 2010, Torrey Smith made the decision to return to Maryland for his senior year. His goals were threefold: to improve his NFL draft stock, to complete his degree in criminology and criminal justice, and to help his team improve upon the previous year's 2-10 record. His decision demonstrated his commitment to both his academic and athletic pursuits.
Torrey Smith played for the Maryland Terrapins football team during the 2010 season, showcasing his talent as a wide receiver. He scored touchdowns against Morgan State and West Virginia, garnering attention as a potential NFL prospect.
Torrey Smith's outstanding performance during the 2010 season earned him a spot on the All-ACC first team as a wide receiver, as recognized by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association.
Torrey Smith's performance in the 2009 season earned him All-ACC honors, recognizing him as one of the top players in the conference. As he considered entering the 2010 NFL Draft, his stock continued to rise, putting him in a favorable position for a professional career.
Torrey Smith secured a memorable victory for the Baltimore Ravens on November 6, 2011, by catching a game-winning touchdown against their division rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
On November 20, 2011, Torrey Smith set a new Ravens rookie record for receiving yards in a single game with 165 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals. This impressive performance included a 49-yard touchdown catch and earned him the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award.
Following his impressive performance in the 2010 season, Torrey Smith was recognized as a rising prospect for the 2011 NFL Draft by Sports Illustrated, who highlighted his speed and size as valuable assets.
Following the 2010 Military Bowl, Torrey Smith announced his decision to enter the 2011 NFL Draft to support his family financially. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. projected him as a likely second or third-round pick.
In 2011, Torrey Smith was selected in the NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, marking the beginning of his professional football career.
Torrey Smith embarked on his NFL journey in 2011, marking his rookie season in the league.
Torrey Smith was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft with the 58th overall pick. His exceptional speed and potential as a deep threat were key factors in his selection.
On September 23, 2012, Torrey Smith's younger brother, Tevin Chris Jones, tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident in Westmoreland County, Virginia. The accident is still under investigation.
In March 2013, Torrey Smith took on an internship with Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings, working out of Baltimore. This experience allowed him to gain valuable insights into the world of politics and public service.
The Baltimore Ravens selected Torrey Smith to represent the team at the Maryland State capital in Annapolis on March 28, 2013.
Torrey Smith married his longtime girlfriend, Chanel Williams, on July 11, 2013. The couple met at the University of Maryland.
On September 30, 2013, Torrey Smith announced on Twitter that he and his wife, Chanel, were expecting their first child.
Following the departure of Anquan Boldin in free agency, Torrey Smith stepped up as the Baltimore Ravens' starting receiver at the beginning of the 2013 season.
In a Week 3 game against the St. Louis Rams in 2013, Torrey Smith delivered a record-setting performance, catching three touchdown passes in the first quarter alone. He became the first NFL rookie to achieve this feat and set a new record for the longest completion by quarterback Joe Flacco at the time.
Chanel Smith gave birth to the couple's first child, Torrey "TJ" Jeremiah, on April 4, 2014.
Torrey Smith's record for the longest completion by quarterback Joe Flacco, set in 2013, was surpassed in 2014.
Torrey Smith inked a lucrative five-year, $40 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers on March 10, 2015. The deal, which included $22 million in guaranteed money, reunited him with former Ravens teammate Anquan Boldin.
In March 2015, Torrey Smith penned a heartfelt letter addressed to the entire city of Baltimore. He expressed his gratitude to the Ravens organization and its devoted fans for their unwavering support throughout his tenure with the team. Smith also announced his intention to explore free agency, seeking new opportunities to further his career.
Torrey Smith showcased his big-play ability in the 2015 season, leading the NFL in yards per reception with an impressive 20.1 yards per catch. He appeared in all 16 games, starting 12, and finished the season with 33 receptions for 663 yards and four touchdowns.
Torrey Smith and his wife, Chanel, welcomed their second son, Kameron James, on June 22, 2016.
Torrey Smith's 2016 season was cut short due to a concussion sustained on December 11 during a game against the New York Jets. As a result of the injury, he was placed on injured reserve on December 23, ending his season with 20 receptions, 267 receiving yards, and three touchdowns in 12 games.
Torrey Smith's commitment to community involvement during his time with the San Francisco 49ers in 2016 earned him a nomination for the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
On March 7, 2017, the San Francisco 49ers released Torrey Smith from his contract.
Shortly after his release from the 49ers, Torrey Smith found a new home with the Philadelphia Eagles, signing a three-year, $15 million contract on March 9, 2017. The contract included second- and third-year options at the same salary. His move to Philadelphia reunited him with former teammates Corey Graham and Dannell Ellerbe.
Torrey Smith made his highly anticipated debut with the Philadelphia Eagles in their season opener against the Washington Redskins on September 10, 2017. The Eagles emerged victorious with a score of 30-17.
On October 8, 2017, Torrey Smith celebrated a significant milestone with the Eagles by hauling in a 59-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Carson Wentz. This marked his first touchdown as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles and contributed to their resounding 34-7 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
The Philadelphia Eagles traded Torrey Smith to the Carolina Panthers on March 14, 2018, in exchange for cornerback Daryl Worley.
Kori Lynn Smith, the first daughter of Torrey and Chanel Smith, was born on December 18, 2018.
Torrey Smith's time with the Carolina Panthers came to an end on September 1, 2019, when the team released him. Just two days later, Smith announced his retirement from professional football.
In a testament to his philanthropic endeavors, Torrey Smith's hometown of Colonial Beach paid tribute to him by dedicating a park in his honor in 2019. Smith's generous funding played a crucial role in the restoration and expansion of the park.
In December 2020, Torrey Smith joined Rose Health, a rapidly growing mental health platform in the United States, as both an investor and a brand ambassador. Smith's involvement aims to raise awareness and support for mental health resilience.
Torrey Smith's enduring commitment to philanthropy earned him further recognition in 2020 when the Library of Virginia named him one of its "Strong Men & Women in Virginia History."