“My mom was sick. I promised that I’d receive my degree and diploma and that I would play in the NFL one day.” This was Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith‘s promise to her mother, Dorsetta Smith, on her deathbed. She passed away on the 10th of February 2015, losing her battle with congestive heart failure. But her son has ever since then made sure to carry her spirit with him throughout the different levels he has reached.

Trey Smith’s accolades began stacking up long before his pro days with the Chiefs. As a Tennessee Volunteer, he was a Freshman All-SEC honoree, a two-time First Team All-SEC selection, and a Second Team All-American. After earning his degree in sports and recreation management, he carried that success into the NFL now. Winning two Super Bowls with the Chiefs. The secret to his grit? Look no further than his father, Henry Smith. Growing up near Memphis, Henry faced his share of challenges, including racial slurs. But his no-nonsense attitude and wisdom have been Trey’s guiding star.

Losing his mother at 15 was tough for Trey Smith, but his sister Ashley stepped up, giving him the love and support he needed. While Trey wasn’t the first Smith to eye Tennessee, Ashley had already made her mark. A high school standout, she dreamed of playing for the Lady Vols but chose a different path, becoming a student manager. Her hustle didn’t go unnoticed. Joan Cronan, UT’s director of women’s athletics, saw Ashley’s potential and gave her a shot at a UT basketball camp—her big tryout.

Ashley’s time with the Lady Vols was transformative. She earned a degree in marketing and entrepreneurship, all while being mentored by the legendary Pat Summitt. The diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2011 was a blow for Summitt, but it also served as a source of strength. Reflecting on her journey, Ashley said, per The Athletic, “My mom and coach Summitt are the two biggest influences on my life.” Her resilience shaped Trey into the player he is today.

Now, at 29, Ashley is the Manager of Player Engagement (PE) at the NFL League Office in New York City. Or how her Instagram bio describes it, “@nfl Manager, Player Engagement 💼. Career & Life Coach ✨. Helping people achieve personal & professional dreams. 📍 NYC.” But the Smith siblings’ bond is tighter than ever, even with new chapters unfolding. She stepped into her role in 2021, the same year her brother was drafted by the Chiefs in the 6th round. It’s like they’re still running the same playbook, just in different arenas.

Trey Smith couldn’t ask for better sideline support than from his sister, Ashley. Especially when she reminded the world of the struggles he endured before winning his second Super Bowl. Trey surely must have felt her support louder than ever.

The day Ashley Smith proudly celebrated Trey Smith

On February 11th, the Allegiant Stadium’s gridiron was painted in Red and Gold confetti as the Chiefs claimed Super Bowl LVIII, toppling the 49ers. Amidst the euphoria, Trey Smith, the 25-year-old guard, clutched the Lombardi Trophy alongside his sister, Ashley. This moment wasn’t just another snap. It made its way to Ashley’s Instagram, where she penned a heartfelt caption. “From setbacks to Super Bowl triumphs, my brother Trey has always done it his way, just like Frank Sinatra’s iconic anthem.”

Ashley didn’t hold back. She listed the hurdles Trey faced right from losing their mother in 2015. His response to that tragic event in his life? Being named ESPN’s No. 1 recruit in 2017. Trey’s journey was anything but easy. The real curveball came in 2019 when his college career screeched to a halt due to blood clots in his lungs. This diagnosis would make any athlete question their future. Yet, as Ashley reminded the world, “He trusted God and fought back, saying, ‘God told me I would play and would have great success.'” And fight he did.

Trey’s story didn’t end there. Despite a relapse in 2020, he didn’t throw in the towel. By 2021, he fulfilled two promises to their late mother—graduating college and getting drafted into the NFL. Fast forward to 2024, Trey snagged his second Super Bowl ring. He became the only NFL player from Jackson, Tennessee, with two titles and the ninth volunteer for Life to achieve such a feat. As Ashley fittingly concluded her caption, “Here’s to your unstoppable journey, Trey!”

Now, with two rings on his fingers, what’s next for Trey? For any Chiefs player, 2024 is all about setting sights on the 3-peat. For Trey, the journey might have been difficult, but the NFL stage is his.