Ravens Wideout Torrey Smith Never Let Anything Stop Him from Success

Baltimore Ravens wideout Torrey Smith went through more hardship in his first 10 years of existence than most people will have to endure throughout their entire lives.

And it started from Day 1.

Torrey, who was born to a teenage mother (Monica Chante Jenkins), was delivered three months early with both meningitis and jaundice. He had to stay in the hospital for several months.

Once Torrey finally made it home, it was immediately time for him to start taking care of the rest of his family.

At least it seemed to happen that fast. 

Torrey’s birth father, who was no longer with his mother, was never around. His mother, who had three more children by the time Torrey was four, attended nursing classes during the day and worked during the night to support the struggling family.

That left only Torrey to take care of his siblings, where he cared for them everywhere from the kitchen to the laundry room.

Because of his propensity to cook everything in seconds via the microwave, Torrey earned the nickname, "Microwave King."

He also changed diapers, did laundry and dressed his brothers.

"I was running the show," said Torrey in an interview with the Washington Post. "When it comes to running a household, the only thing I didn't do was physically work. I know everything about being a parent."

And if you think being the leader of a household at age seven is impressive, consider the violence Torrey also had to deal with.

His mother married an extremely violent man who was often in trouble with the law. He fought with her constantly—sometimes with life-threatening weapons. At one point, Torrey and his brother, from the back seat of their car, had to witness the husband hold a gun to their mother’s head before eventually shooting it off in another direction.

"I wouldn't change anything in my childhood for the better," Torrey told The Post. "I like every struggle I have been through. I have learned from it. It helped make me a better person. It is tough for me to break mentally."

Somehow, through all of this, Smith found a way to attend school and turn himself into a terrific baseball and football player. His true talent, however, was football.

He drew interest from various major colleges, but chose the University of Maryland so he could continue to be close to home.

In three years with the Terrapins, Smith was terrific as both a receiver and a kick returner. He pulled in 67 catches for 1,055 yards and 12 touchdowns during his junior season en route to being drafted in the second round by the Baltimore Ravens. He had a terrific rookie season for the Ravens, recording 841 yards and seven touchdowns.

It’s only appropriate that Smith, who constantly put his family before him, is now making more than enough to support them while still playing close to them in his home state. 

Presented by MetLife. I Can Do This.