Torrey Smith was only an Eagle for one season, but left an indelible mark on the franchise for his play on the field, his work in the community, and the bond he fostered with his teammates.
Smith announced his retirement from the NFL in a video message on Friday.
Signed as a free agent by the Eagles in 2017 to be the team's vertical threat at wide receiver, Smith posted 36 receptions for 430 yards and two touchdowns. In the drive to the Super Bowl, his second championship as a player, Smith provided some of the most clutch moments.
On the opening play of the Divisional Round win over Atlanta, Smith drew a pass interference penalty that generated a 42-yard gain. With just 22 seconds left in the first half, Smith caught a ball that bounced off safety Keanu Neal's knee for a 22-yard gain. Jake Elliott converted a 53-yard field goal after the catch to cut Atlanta's lead to one at halftime.
Then, in the NFC Championship rout of Minnesota, Smith hauled in a flea-flicker for a 41-yard touchdown pass on the opening drive of the second half to extend the Eagles' lead to 31-7 and put the game well out of reach.
He added five catches for 49 yards in the Super Bowl to finish with 13 grabs for 157 yards and a touchdown in the postseason.
"I saw where Torrey Smith is stepping away from the game," head coach Doug Pederson said on Friday morning. "I just want 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 is a great man."
Forget all of the football stuff. Smith was an integral part of the amazing chemistry that allowed the 2017 team to jell and bring home the first Lombardi Trophy in franchise history. In May, Smith was on hand for the Carson Wentz AO1 Charity Softball Game to cheer on his former teammates.
A second-round pick of the Ravens in 2011 out of Maryland, Smith had 319 career receptions for 5,141 yards and 41 touchdowns. He led the league in yards per reception with the 49ers in 2015. The 30-year-old added 33 more catches for 571 yards and five touchdowns in the postseason. He also won a Super Bowl with the Ravens in 2012. An incredible career considering everything that he overcame in his life.
