Trey Smith’s journey with the Kansas City Chiefs has always been defined by resilience, heart, and a deep commitment to the values that make a champion. As the towering offensive lineman steps into the 2025 training camp, his presence feels even more powerful—not just because of his size or strength, but because of the emotional and symbolic weight he carries with him. With a brand-new contract inked, a quiet but moving tribute to his late mother, a growing role as mentor to younger teammates, and a deep sense of responsibility in the locker room, Smith is no longer just a reliable player in the trenches—he’s become a cornerstone of the franchise’s identity.
From the moment Trey Smith entered the NFL as a sixth-round steal in the 2021 NFL Draft, his story was one of perseverance and strength. Battling blood clots in his lungs during his college days at Tennessee, Smith overcame health scares that could’ve ended his career before it started. Instead, he became a starter as a rookie on a Super Bowl-contending team and earned the respect of veterans and coaches alike. Now, in his fifth NFL season, the Chiefs have made it clear that Smith isn’t just a foundational piece of their offensive line—he’s a long-term leader. The new contract he signed this offseason reflects that belief. While financial details were not made fully public, insiders say it’s a deal that makes Smith one of the highest-paid guards in the league—a well-earned reward for years of grit, growth, and performance.
But for Smith, the money isn’t the biggest victory. It’s the opportunity to honor the legacy of his late mother, Dorsetta Smith, who passed away from congestive heart failure when Trey was just 15 years old. During his media session at training camp, Smith took a moment to speak from the heart. “Everything I do, every block I make, every time I step onto the field—it’s all for her,” he said. “She was the strongest person I ever knew. She gave everything she had for me and my siblings. So, this contract, this platform, this game—it’s part of her story, not just mine.”
Smith revealed that he had a necklace specially made with her initials engraved, which he now wears under his jersey. It’s a small personal gesture, but one that holds immense meaning. He also quietly donated to a local Kansas City health foundation focused on heart disease awareness, hoping to help other families battling the same kinds of challenges his mother faced. “She told me before she passed, ‘Trey, go be great.’ I’ve never forgotten those words,” he shared with reporters, his voice thick with emotion.
As the Chiefs enter a new phase of their dynasty—no longer the fresh-faced underdogs but a seasoned, battle-tested franchise still chasing greatness—Smith’s evolution into a vocal and emotional leader couldn’t have come at a better time. Veteran linemen like Joe Thuney and Creed Humphrey still hold strong influence, but Smith has become the bridge between the old guard and the new wave of talent Kansas City continues to develop. He’s taken rookie linemen under his wing, staying late after practices to go over film, correct footwork, and pass along the kind of detailed knowledge that can only be earned in the NFL trenches.
“It’s part of the job now,” Smith said, nodding humbly. “When I came in, guys like Thuney and Orlando Brown Jr. looked out for me. They showed me how to be a pro—how to carry yourself, how to grind, how to stay mentally tough. Now it’s my turn to pay that forward. These young guys, they’re hungry. They want to learn. And I want to make sure they’re ready when the lights are on.”
Among those he’s mentoring is second-year tackle Micah Curtis, who credits Smith for helping him adjust to the speed and complexity of the pro game. “Trey doesn’t just tell you what to do—he shows you, and he explains the why,” Curtis said. “He’ll sit with you for an hour breaking down a single play if that’s what it takes. He wants you to succeed. And that kind of leadership, you don’t take it for granted.”
The 2025 training camp has taken on a slightly different tone than in past years. While the Chiefs are still considered perennial contenders, they’re coming off a disappointing playoff exit at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles that ended their dream of a historic Super Bowl three-peat. That loss left a mark on the locker room, and players like Smith are using it as fuel. “It hurt, no doubt,” he admitted. “We had something special going, and to see it end like that—it sticks with you. But that pain? That’s motivation. You either let it beat you, or you use it to sharpen your edge. We’re choosing the latter.”
Smith has emerged as one of the team’s most respected internal voices. During offseason workouts and now at training camp, he’s been seen gathering the offensive line for impromptu huddles, motivating with a mix of fire and calm wisdom. He’s not the loudest guy in the room, but when he speaks, people listen. “He’s like a lighthouse,” said offensive line coach Andy Heck. “You might not always notice him, but when storms come, he’s there—steady, strong, dependable.”
And the storms will come. The 2025 season is expected to be one of the most competitive yet in the AFC. With revamped rosters across the conference, the Chiefs will need every ounce of leadership and toughness to reclaim the throne. Head coach Andy Reid has repeatedly pointed to Smith as one of the players he’s counting on to keep the team grounded and focused. “Trey’s matured in a way that you love to see,” Reid said. “He’s become a man’s man in that room. The young guys respect him. The veterans lean on him. He’s not just playing for himself—he’s playing for this team, this city, and for the people he loves.”
Off the field, Smith has also embraced his role in the Kansas City community. This summer, he hosted a youth football camp for underprivileged kids in the area, using his story as an example of perseverance and hope. “If I can show one kid that dreams can come true, that hard times don’t last—that’s a win for me,” he said. He’s also continuing his advocacy for heart health, partnering with local hospitals to raise awareness and provide screenings. “It’s what my mom would’ve wanted,” he said. “To take the pain we went through and turn it into something that helps someone else.”
As the pads come on and the grind of camp begins, Smith is locked in. He knows the road ahead won’t be easy. The offensive line will face fierce competition. The offense, now featuring new weapons and fresh schemes, will require perfect cohesion. But Smith, ever the warrior in the trenches, isn’t blinking. “Pressure is what shapes diamonds,” he said with a grin. “We’ve been through pressure. We know what it takes. Now it’s time to go do it again.”
Whether it’s driving defenders into the turf, pulling to spring a running back free, or simply putting a reassuring hand on a rookie’s shoulder, Trey Smith’s impact in 2025 goes far beyond the stat sheet. He is a man carrying legacy, leadership, and love into every rep, every snap, every moment. His journey—from personal loss to professional triumph—resonates with teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
And in a sport where toughness is often defined by brute force, Trey Smith shows that the strongest foundation is built from heart. In Kansas City, that heart beats loudest in the trenches, where No. 65 continues to inspire, lead, and honor the game—and the woman who first believed in him.
