The Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line has gone through an upgrade over the past two seasons since the disastrous finish to the 2020 NFL season in Super Bowl LV. Each addition, whether in the draft or free agency, has impacted the team’s success since and will continue to impact the team as they pursue another Lombardi Trophy in 2023.
Chiefs RG Trey Smith continues to improve as a starter and has overcome adversity early in his career to get to this point. Smith was recently a guest on the “For the Record” podcast with host Tennessee Volunteer and former Chiefs draft pick Kahlil McKenzie to discuss the moment he was drafted.
“My agent and I were thinking probably the third round latest, blah, blah,” said Smith. “Never get a call. So now I’m freaking out, my man; ‘Maybe my medical history has made it to where I’ll never play in the league. They’ll never give me a shot,’ and (my agent is) like, ‘Dude, just chill out. Stay calm.’ Look at Creed (Humphrey). Like he just landed in Kansas City, a great spot, great organization, like everything will probably work out. You’re gonna be fine. Five minutes later, I’m not even kidding. I get a call from Kansas City. I’m like, ‘Why are they calling me?’ Because I always thought I was gonna go to another team.”
In 2018, Smith was diagnosed with a blood clot condition in his lungs, leading to many concerns during the 2021 NFL draft from teams who could select him. The Chiefs were one of the few teams that were comfortable and confident in his health.
“I’ve already worked this out; you’re wasting my time and this point. He’s like, ‘We’re gonna make you the newest member of the Kansas City Chiefs,’” said Smith. “I’m like, ‘Whoa.’ It didn’t really hit. And so Clark Hunt got on the phone. He’s,like, ‘Really welcome. We’re happy to have you here. Add you as a piece. Blah, blah.’ And I’m like, ‘Oh, so now I need to lock in with Coach Reid, obviously, Coach Heck.’ So like, after that moment, OK. I just wanted to study the Chiefs, like I watched him win the Super Bowl in 2019 as a student worker at Tennessee.”
Smith was drafted in the sixth round and has since been healthy and viewed as one of the steals of that year’s draft. He’s embraced the Kansas City community over his two seasons with the Chiefs.
“Being able to play there, the city of Kansas City, like, honestly, it’s a perfect fit,” said Smith. “It’s not too big to where it’s almost overwhelming. I can get away. It’s great. I’m a people person. So my Interactions matter on a daily day-to-day basis. If I walk into a gas station, I open the door; ‘I want to thank you’ or like, you know, just saying what’s up. The people on the street, the people are very nice and courteous, but like, I love Kansas City, man. And I think I couldn’t have landed in a better spot and especially early in my career to develop.”
The Chiefs are constantly improving the team in the draft, and heading into 2023, adding another offensive lineman is on the table. Smith has earned his starter’s status with his performance and could be on track for a future Pro Bowl or All-Pro selection for Kansas City.
