Yardbarker
x
Former Vols offensive lineman Trey Smith's reaction to his record-setting contract will have everyone a little teary eyed
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Former Tennessee Vols offensive lineman Trey Smith signed a record-breaking contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday. 

Smith, who was franchise tagged by the Chiefs earlier this offseason, signed a four-year extension worth $94 million (with $70 million guaranteed), which makes the former Vol the highest paid guard in NFL history. 

Shortly after the deal was reported, Smith took to Instagram to react to his new contract. 

"That was for you Dorsetta Smith," wrote Smith. 

Dorsetta is Smith's late mother who passed away in early 2015 (two years before Smith's true freshman season at Tennessee). 

“(Her passing) completely crushed my world,” said Smith of his mother in 2020 when he announced his return to Tennessee for his senior season. “From that point since, I’ve been on a mission to fulfill my promise to her.

“That (graduating) is one of the things she always emphasized growing up. You have to get an education. That is something they can never take away from you. That is something that has always stuck with me. That is one of my goals in my life, get my education and receive my degree and then play in the NFL.”

Via A To Z Sports

Smith was one of the highest rated players in the 2017 recruiting class, but his journey to becoming the highest paid guard in NFL history has been anything but smooth. 

The Tennessee native dealt with blood clots that put his career in jeopardy during his time in Knoxville. Smith was then a sixth-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft. He's had to battle for everything he's earned in football.  

That's why no one is more deserving of a big pay day than Trey Smith

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!