Kansas City, MO – July 23, 2025

When Trey Smith put pen to paper on his new contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, the moment carried far more weight than just numbers and terms. For the 25-year-old offensive lineman, it was the fulfillment of a heartfelt vow made years ago — a promise to his late mother.

The deal, a four-year extension worth $92 million, includes $65 million in guaranteed money, placing Smith among the highest-paid guards in the league. But beyond the headlines and contract figures, the story of Trey Smith is deeply personal.

“Before my mom passed, I told her I’d make it to the NFL and take care of the family,” Smith shared. “I never let go of that.”

Smith was just 15 years old when his mother, Dorsetta Smith, passed away due to congestive heart failure. Her loss was devastating, but also defining. In the years that followed, Trey transformed grief into purpose, carrying her memory through every step of his football journey.

From dominating at the University of Tennessee to becoming a sixth-round steal in the 2021 NFL Draft, and then rising as a vital protector on the Chiefs’ offensive line, Smith’s path has been one of resilience and quiet strength.

“This isn’t just about a paycheck,” he said. “It’s about honoring her and everything she gave me.”

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid praised Smith not only for his skill, but for his character.

“He’s a leader in our locker room. He shows up every day with grit and gratitude. That’s rare — and it’s special.”

As Kansas City gears up for another high-stakes season, Smith remains focused, grounded by where he came from and who he plays for.

“My mom never got to see me in a Chiefs uniform,” he reflected. “But I feel her presence every game.”

In a sport driven by stats and spectacle, Trey Smith’s story is a reminder that some victories aren’t measured on a scoreboard — they’re written in quiet promises, and lived out in moments like this.