Trey Smith is a man of his word. He’s got a story that’ll make you want to stand up and cheer. It’s a tale of heart, hustle, and promises made to the family. 

The dynamic guard for Kansas City—Smith’s story lies with his late mother, Dorsetta Smith, and dad, Henry Smith, who’s been his guiding stars right from the get-go. Diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2014, Dorsetta’s illness was a heavy blow. Smith, then a student at the University of Tennessee, vowed to honor her by finishing his degree and making it to the league. 

“My mom was sick. I promised that I’d receive my degree and diploma and play in the leagues one day,” the two-time Super Bowl champ asserted. “I wanted to be 100% sure of my decision. With that being said, I’ll honor my mother, Dorsetta Smith.” And he did. Smith kept that promise, and after graduating, he set his sights on the NFL.

Ask the Chiefs’ guard about his dad, and he’ll tell you his father’s a rock-solid source of wisdom. Growing up near Memphis in Haywood County (the home of the famous US v. Haywood County Board of Education case), Henry Smith faced his share of challenges, including racial slurs. After high school, Henry attended the University of Tennessee-Martin, where he met Smith’s mom. 

Henry’s tough upbringing and no-nonsense vibe shaped Smith’s approach to life. His advice to avoid snap judgments and let things unfold has been the 25-year-old’s guiding star. While Dorsetta’s kindness and compassion were traits Smith deeply admired, Henry’s grit and wisdom really laid the foundation for his life.  

Sadly, Dorsetta passed away on Feb. 10, 2015, just shy of her 52nd birthday. Her funeral took place on Valentine’s Day. Smith’s grief was profound, but he channeled it into determination. “When you think about it in the grand scheme of human life, we’re so small. I almost felt like life should’ve stopped when my mom died. But I could either sulk or get up every day and be the person my mom wanted me to be,” he reflected.

As the Chiefs’ superstar makes waves in the league, his grandpa’s been right there too, dropping guidance and support every step of the way.

Meet Trey Smith’s grandfather, who shaped his life and career

Kansas City’s two-time first-team All-SEC guard’s grandfather, Reverend Henry Sanders, was a minister and a Korean War vet. Sanders returned to Tennessee after his service and married his sweetheart, Lizzie Jo Batts. When he tried to buy land with his new wife, they were met with a harsh reality of inequality and racism. 

This experience left a huge mark on Trey Smith. Reflecting on his grandpa’s wisdom, he shared, “It’s a little bit hard for me to understand why people refuse to acknowledge those types of facts. It happened, and it angers me. But we need love to make real change. That’s what my grandfather told me. Just use love.” 

Snagged by the Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2021 Draft, Smith wasted no time making waves. He kicked off his career by starting all 16 regular-season games and three playoff matchups. In Super Bowl LVII, he crushed it at right guard, helping Kansas City block zero sacks in their 38-35 win over the Eagles. 

Last year? The 25-year-old kept the momentum going, snagging his second Super Bowl ring. The lessons of love and resilience from his family are still driving him on and off-field.