Eagles Super Bowl champion Torrey Smith retires from the NFL

Former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Torrey Smith announced he’s retiring from the NFL. The 30-year-old put out a video statement on Twitter:

Dear football, I knew this day would come. To be completely honest, I’ve been preparing for it my entire career. You and I both knew the game for me wouldn’t last forever. It’s the NFL circle of life and I’m prepared for what’s next. As I look back, I can honestly say that this eighteen year journey with you has been life changing. Full of ups and downs, laughter and tears, plenty of highs and lows. I’ve grown and learned so much because of you. I want to thank you personally for helping me become the man that I am today. From the very beginning you were there for me. A safe haven that helped me block out all that I was dealing with at home. I was just a young kid with big dreams. I didn’t know at the time that you would help pave the way for me to accomplish all of my goals. And for that, I’m forever grateful. Thank you for introducing me to a group of incredible men that I had the privilege of calling coaches, role models, and father figures. These men showed me what it was to be a man, a husband, a father, and a man of faith. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Thank you for being my way out. You gave me the opportunity to earn a scholarship and two degrees. That’s something that can never be taken away from me. Being raised by a single mom and being the oldest of seven, there was no way I would have been able to afford college without you. Thank you for teaching me early on that nothing is guaranteed. Even when you have dozens of coaches knocking at your door, things can change so quickly. One injury, one mistake, one decision ... can change everything. Thank you for providing me with the means to provide a better life for my family, for giving me the resources to break generational curses, for helping me set up a life where my kids can become all that they want to be without the struggles that I had to face. Thank you for trusting me with the responsibility of being a leader both on and off the field. My worth as a football player was never only about numbers. And if I was able to impact just one player, one kid, one person, I served my purpose. Thank you for my teammates, who have become brothers, mentors, and life long friends. Y’all challenged me everyday to become a better player and person. I appreciate it. Football for me may have an expiration date, but the friendships and relationships that I formed over the years are forever. Thank you for giving me and my family extended aunts, uncles, cousins, and supporters. You watched me become a man, raise a family, and have been by my side through it all. You are appreciated. Lastly, thank you for the life long lessons you’ve taught me, the importance of being staying grounded through the highs and lows of the game, the importance of time, and taking advantage of every opportunity because you never truly know when it’ll end. Thank you for teaching me the significance of hard work, dedication, patience, and sacrifice. God put you in my life for a reason and I’m sure it wasn’t about x’s and o’s. Every catch, every drop, every win, every loss, every trade, every cut, all of it, was a part of my journey. But remember, football’s what I did, it’s not who I am. I’m looking forward to using the platform you’ve given me to continue to serve my true purpose. Changing my community for the better. Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the plans I have for declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” I’m blessed to be able to walk away from this game with most of my health, a clear mind, and a grateful heart. Can’t wait to begin the next phase of my life, where my heart is and never left: Baltimore. Sincerely yours ...

The Eagles signed Smith during the 2017 offseason to be a deep threat for them. Smith didn’t post amazing regular season numbers; he logged just 36 receptions for 430 yards (11.9 average) and two touchdowns.

But Smith did step up in the postseason en route to the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory. He had 13 receptions for 157 yards (12.1 yards per reception) and one touchdown on a flea flicker pass from Nick Foles in the 2018 NFC Championship game.

Smith would only end up playing one year in Philly after the Eagles traded him to the Panthers during the 2018 offseason. He spent the 2019 offseason with the Panthers but Carolina surprisingly released him in final roster cuts.

Now the No. 58 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft is leaving the league after logging 119 games played (106 starts), 319 receptions, 5141 yards, and 41 touchdowns. Smith is walking away with two Super Bowl rings since he previously won a championship with the Baltimore Ravens.

Smith’s Eagles tenure was short but he should always be remembered for helping Philly win their first ever Vince Lombardi Trophy. Smith also deserves a lot of credit for the great work he’s done off the field as well.

Doug Pederson had the following to say about Smith on Friday morning:

Just wanted to congratulate him and his family. It’s a great opportunity for him in the next chapter of his life. He helped us win a championship and he’s a great man.”

More reaction from Smith’s former Eagles teammates:

On behalf of Eagles fans everywhere ... thank you, Torrey! Here’s wishing you the best in retirement.