Torrey Smith
A speedy deep-threat receiver who used his platform to champion social justice after winning Super Bowls with two different franchises.
Born 1989 (age 37)·American football player·Birthday: January 26·Millennials
Biography
Torrey Smith's football story is one of clutch performances and profound perspective. Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens for his blistering straight-line speed, he became the quintessential deep threat, stretching defenses for a run-heavy team. His most poignant performance came in 2012, when he caught two touchdowns in a emotional game just hours after the death of his younger brother. That season culminated in a Super Bowl XLVII victory. After a stint in San Francisco, he landed in Philadelphia, where his veteran presence and blocking were crucial to the Eagles' underdog run to a Super Bowl LII win. Off the field, Smith's voice grew even louder. He became a respected advocate for educational equity and social justice, co-founding a foundation with his wife and speaking candidly about athlete activism, ensuring his legacy extended far beyond the gridiron.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Torrey was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Torrey Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Torrey's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won two Super Bowls with two different teams: Super Bowl XLVII with the Baltimore Ravens and Super Bowl LII with the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Recorded over 100 receiving yards and two touchdowns in a 2012 game played the day after his brother's tragic death.
- Amassed over 4,900 receiving yards and 36 touchdowns across an eight-year NFL career.
- Was a key starter for the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles, whose offense set numerous franchise records en route to the championship.
Did You Know?
He and his wife, Dr. Chanel Smith, founded the Torrey Smith Family Fund, which focuses on providing opportunities for under-resourced youth.
He was a standout track athlete in high school in Virginia, competing in the 100-meter dash and long jump.
He was a team captain for the Maryland Terrapins football team during his college career.
He returned to the University of Maryland to complete his degree after his NFL career ended.
“We have a platform, and we have to use it for more than just catching footballs.”
