The former Tennessee Vols star is hailed by Pat McAfee as the NFL’s top player at his position in 2024.

ESPN’s Pat McAfee hailed a former Tennessee Vols star player as the NFL’s best player at his position this week. During his “Trenchy Awards” presentation, McAfee named Trey Smith, an offensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, the league’s best guard in 2024. Smith, who played for Tennessee from 2017 to 2020, will be a free agent this coming offseason after spending the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Chiefs.

The Chiefs selected Smith in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Blood clots in his lungs during his second year at Tennessee in 2018 caused the former Vol to fall in the draft. Smith participated in every game at UT in 2019 and 2020 after staying healthy throughout the 2018 season. Over the previous four years, he has also started 77 games for the Chiefs, including postseason games.

Smith has been criminally underpaid throughout the first four years of his NFL career since he was selected in the sixth round.

The good news for Smith, though, is that when he becomes a free agency this offseason, he is anticipated to earn the highest salary of any guard in the NFL. His tenure in Kansas City will probably come to an end as a result, but at least he will finally receive the compensation he is due.

The Tennessee Volunteers football program has long been a breeding ground for future NFL stars, producing a number of players who have gone on to have successful careers at the professional level. Among them, one standout athlete has recently garnered attention as the best player at his position in the NFL for 2024. This honor comes from none other than Pat McAfee, the former NFL punter turned media personality known for his insightful commentary and larger-than-life personality.

McAfee’s recognition of this player as the NFL’s top player at his position is not just an acknowledgment of exceptional talent, but also a reflection of the player’s hard work, perseverance, and dedication to his craft. It speaks volumes that McAfee, who has witnessed countless athletes throughout his time in the league and as a commentator, would consider this former Vols star the best at his position.

Background of the Player:

The player in question is none other than a Tennessee Vols star whose journey to the NFL is as inspiring as it is impressive. His career at Tennessee was marked by his explosive athleticism, ability to perform in clutch moments, and his leadership on and off the field. Whether it was thrilling crowds with dazzling plays or stepping up when his team needed him most, this player showcased why he was a top prospect for the NFL.

Coming out of Tennessee, he was widely regarded as a potential game-changer at his position. He had the size, strength, and agility to compete at the highest level, and it didn’t take long for NFL scouts to take notice. By the time the NFL Draft arrived, this player had positioned himself as one of the top choices in his class, earning praise from analysts and coaches alike for his versatility and unique skill set.

Once he made the jump to the NFL, it didn’t take long for him to make a splash. His rookie year was filled with memorable moments that displayed his raw talent. Yet, it was over time that he truly began to refine his craft, adjusting to the speed and physicality of the league, and becoming a more well-rounded player.

Pat McAfee’s Endorsement:

Pat McAfee is no stranger to accolades and praise in the football world. Having been a standout punter in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts, McAfee knows exactly what it takes to be considered the best at your position. When McAfee makes a statement like calling a player the top in the league, it carries significant weight. His reputation for delivering honest, insightful analysis makes his endorsement all the more powerful.

McAfee’s declaration that this former Tennessee Vols star is the best player at his position in the NFL for 2024 is the culmination of years of growth, development, and hard work. McAfee has seen it all in the NFL, and his endorsement suggests that this player has reached the pinnacle of his profession. Whether it’s his unmatched physical tools, his leadership abilities, or his consistency week in and week out, McAfee clearly believes that this player is head and shoulders above the rest of his peers.

What Makes This Player Stand Out:

There are several key factors that have contributed to this player’s rise to the top of his position. One of the most important is his ability to consistently perform at a high level in every game. Whether it’s a regular-season matchup or a high-stakes playoff game, this player has shown time and again that he can rise to the occasion and deliver when his team needs him most.

In addition to his on-field accomplishments, this player’s leadership qualities have also played a significant role in his success. Great players are often remembered not just for their statistics but for how they elevate the play of those around them. This player’s presence in the locker room, his work ethic, and his ability to motivate his teammates have been critical to his rise as one of the top players in the NFL.

Another important factor that sets this player apart is his versatility. In today’s NFL, the ability to adapt to various schemes, opponents, and game situations is more valuable than ever. This player has displayed a remarkable ability to adjust and thrive, regardless of the challenges presented by opposing teams. Whether he’s dealing with a tough defensive line, a difficult coverage scheme, or a game in adverse weather conditions, he always finds a way to contribute.

This player’s physical attributes have also played a key role in his success. Whether it’s his speed, strength, agility, or football IQ, he possesses a unique combination of skills that make him virtually unstoppable. His ability to dominate in all facets of his position has made him one of the most feared players in the league.

Looking Ahead:

With McAfee’s endorsement solidifying his status as the top player at his position in 2024, the future looks incredibly bright for this former Tennessee Vols star. His trajectory suggests that he is not just a flash-in-the-pan player, but someone who is here to stay at the top for years to come. As the NFL continues to evolve, this player has the tools and mindset necessary to maintain his elite status for the foreseeable future.

For fans of the Tennessee Volunteers, this recognition serves as a point of pride. The University of Tennessee has long been a top program in college football, and to see one of their former stars recognized as the best at his position in the NFL is a testament to the program’s ability to develop talent. It’s also a reminder of the kind of impact that college football can have on a player’s career, as the foundation built at Tennessee has clearly helped shape this player into the force he is today.

Moreover, this achievement also serves as inspiration for future players hoping to make the leap from college to the NFL. The journey to the NFL is never easy, but stories like this remind young athletes that with dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence, they too can reach the highest levels of success.