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'Lost My Mom When I Was 15': Chiefs Star Gets Emotional After Signing Historic Contract

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dean Koutouratsas | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 2:31 PM ET

Following the team’s third consecutive Super Bowl appearance and AFC Championship win, the Kansas City Chiefs signed Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith to a four-year, $94 million contract extension.

NFL insiders Nate Taylor and Adam Schefter reported on July 15 that the new contract makes Smith the highest-paid interior lineman in league history. His deal also includes a record $70 million in guaranteed money.

Smith played a key role in providing run protection for Chiefs halfbacks Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco throughout last season. He made his Pro Bowl debut last year and helped the Chiefs win back-back Super Bowls in 2022-23.

Smith issued an emotional statement during the second day of the Chiefs' training camp on Tuesday. “I lost my mom when I was 15,” he said during an interview obtained by Charles Goldman from A to Z Sports. “I made two promises to her. That I’d get my degree and play in the NFL.”

An emotional Chiefs RG Trey Smith on sharing the extension moment with his family: "I lost my mom when I was 15. I made two promises to her. That I'd get my degree and play in the NFL. They sacrificed so much for me. It was special. It was special."
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) July 22, 2025

Smith played three seasons in college from 2017-20 with the Tennessee Volunteers before graduating and moving on to the NFL. Kansas City drafted him with the No. 226 overall pick in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft to fulfill both of the promises he made to his mother.

Smith added that signing the contract was “special” to him because his family “sacrificed so much” to ensure he succeeded. He’s expected to play a significant role in protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes this season alongside center Creed Humphrey.

Kansas City’s front office also drafted tackles Josh Simmons and Kingsley Suamataia and signed veteran offensive lineman Jaylon Moore. Heading into his fifth season with the Chiefs, Smith might be able to replace the same success that helped him make his first Pro Bowl.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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