Torrey Smith retires: Remembering his time with Ravens

Torrey Smith has decided to retire from the National Football League. He will always be one of the most beloved Baltimore Ravens players there ever was:

Torrey Smith is the best receiver the Baltimore Ravens ever drafted and developed. He was part of the 2011 NFL Draft class that included Jimmy Smith, Pernell McPhee and Tyrod Taylor. Smith was a consistent player who gave the Ravens a deep threat.

The most memorable moment of his career was probably when he torched Champ Bailey against the Denver Broncos, in the 2012 Super Bowl run. Smith had two deep touchdowns in that all-time classic game. He had 11 catches for 233 yards ans two touchdowns during that postseason.

Consistency was the calling card of Smith. He instantly showed his value to the team with 50 catches for 841 yards and seven touchdowns in his rookie season. In 2012 he had 49 receptions for 855 yards and eight touchdowns. 2013 saw Smith have 65 receptions for 1,128 yards and four touchdowns. You knew what you were getting from Smith every Sunday.

Smith lasted eight years in the NFL. He never recreated what he had going as a member of the Baltimore Ravens. He had a solid 2015 season for the San Francisco 49ers however the peak of his career was easily with the Ravens. He didn’t have a hall of fame career. He wasn’t an all-time great, yet he was one of the most important players in Ravens history.

Smith was one of the easiest players to root for. Smith was always a great teammate and he has a well earned reputation of being one of the best people in professional sports. The Torrey Smith Family Fund is a very respectable cause. Smith’s impact as a player was very much rivaled by his impact as a person off the field. One of the best Maryland Terrapin football players of all-time, Smith has a huge fan base in the heart of Ravens country.

In week 3 of the 2012 season the Ravens played the New England Patriots. Smith played in that game shortly after his brother died. It was one of the best games he ever had in the NFL. He had six receptions for 127 yards and two touchdowns. The Ravens won a hard fought game 31-30. The emotional strength that Smith showed in that game, was something no Ravens fan (or any football fan for that matter) should forget.

He may have had a run with the 49ers, Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles, however Smith will always be remembered as a Raven. Smith now looks forward to the next chapter of his life. Whatever it holds, the Ravens Flock will always wish him the best.