Seeing a former Volunteers guard in the Super Bowl excites an NFL star.

Seeing a Former Volunteers Guard in the Super Bowl Excites an NFL Star

The Super Bowl is the grandest stage in American football, where the world’s most talented players go head-to-head for the ultimate prize—the Vince Lombardi Trophy. It represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. The excitement surrounding the big game is not just limited to the players who are suiting up; for many, it’s a time of reflection on their journeys, their experiences, and the players who have shared similar paths.

One such moment of pride and excitement came when a former Tennessee Volunteers guard found himself on the Super Bowl stage. This player, a former star on Tennessee’s offensive line, had made his way to the NFL and found himself in the biggest game of the year. His appearance in the Super Bowl had a ripple effect, especially among his peers, including an NFL star who couldn’t help but be excited to see a former college teammate or fellow alumni make it to such a prestigious level.

In this article, we will dive into the significance of seeing a former Vols offensive lineman play in the Super Bowl, the impact it had on those who knew him, and how the sense of pride that comes with such an achievement resonates not only within the University of Tennessee but across the entire football community. Additionally, we will explore the broader implications of former college players achieving success in the NFL, and the way this success translates into inspiration for current players and young fans alike.

The Former Volunteers Guard Who Made It to the Super Bowl

The name that stirred excitement in the football world as Super Bowl Sunday approached was none other than Trey Smith, the former Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman who had made it all the way to the NFL and ultimately to the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith, known for his formidable presence on the field, was a standout during his time at Tennessee, where he earned All-SEC honors and helped lead a powerful offensive line that supported the team’s offensive game plan.

Smith’s journey to the Super Bowl wasn’t without challenges, particularly concerning his health. Smith was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs during his time at Tennessee, which threatened to derail his football career. After undergoing medical treatment and earning clearance from doctors, Smith made an impressive comeback, showing the kind of resilience that would become a hallmark of his playing career. His decision to push forward after a medical scare proved to be a testament to his grit, determination, and love for the game.

As a member of the Chiefs, Smith had continued to show that same toughness and resilience. The Chiefs’ offensive line, which was once a point of concern for the franchise, became much stronger with Smith’s addition. His ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage while protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes and creating lanes for the run game helped solidify the Chiefs as one of the NFL’s most potent offenses.

In the 2023 NFL season, the Chiefs were determined to make another run at the Super Bowl. As the team made its way to the big game, Super Bowl LVII, the excitement surrounding Smith’s participation grew. It was a significant achievement for him personally, but also for the University of Tennessee, as another former Vols player was about to perform on the biggest stage in football.

The NFL Star’s Excitement Over Trey Smith’s Super Bowl Appearance

Among the many NFL players watching Super Bowl LVII was Jalen Reeves-Maybin, a standout linebacker for the Detroit Lions and a former University of Tennessee player himself. When Reeves-Maybin saw Smith take the field as a starter in the Super Bowl, he couldn’t contain his excitement. Having played with Smith at Tennessee, Reeves-Maybin understood how hard the offensive lineman had worked to get to this point.

“I’ve known Trey for a long time,” Reeves-Maybin said. “To see him out there in the Super Bowl, knowing everything he’s been through, it’s just an incredible feeling. He’s been a leader since we were at Tennessee, and now to see him on the biggest stage is amazing. I know how much work he’s put in, and to see him get that opportunity makes me proud.”

Reeves-Maybin’s excitement wasn’t just about watching a former teammate on TV. For him, seeing Smith in the Super Bowl was a reminder of what’s possible for anyone who works hard enough and overcomes challenges. In many ways, Reeves-Maybin’s pride in Smith was symbolic of the camaraderie and brotherhood that exists within the football community, especially among former college teammates.

Just as Reeves-Maybin celebrated Smith’s success, many other NFL players took to social media to congratulate him. It was evident that Smith’s success wasn’t just celebrated by his team or his family, but by the entire football community. His path to the Super Bowl had been a difficult one, and his success was seen as a victory not only for himself but for every player who had ever donned a Tennessee Volunteers jersey.

The Pride of the Volunteers: Tennessee’s Connection to the NFL

The Tennessee Volunteers have a long and proud tradition of producing NFL-caliber talent, particularly on the offensive and defensive lines. The school has sent numerous players to the league, including Reggie White, Jerod Mayo, and Justin Hunter, among many others. The Tennessee football program is well known for developing tough, disciplined players who go on to make an impact at the professional level.

Trey Smith’s achievement of making it to the Super Bowl is just the latest in a long line of proud moments for the Volunteers. It’s a testament to the coaching staff at Tennessee, as well as the culture of toughness and perseverance that has been cultivated within the program. Watching a player like Smith, who fought through adversity and proved his worth in the NFL, gives current Vols players something to aspire to.

For Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel, the success of former players in the NFL is a point of pride, but it also serves as a reminder of the impact that college football can have on a player’s future. Heupel has worked hard to continue Tennessee’s tradition of developing NFL-ready talent, and seeing Smith in the Super Bowl only adds to the legacy of the program.

“It’s always exciting to see our former players succeed at the next level, and when it’s a player like Trey, who has worked so hard and overcome so much, it makes it even sweeter,” Heupel said. “Trey’s success is a reflection of everything we believe in as a program—toughness, resilience, and a relentless work ethic. He’s a great ambassador for Tennessee football.”

Impact on Current Tennessee Players

For current Tennessee players, seeing Smith in the Super Bowl is an inspiring example of what can happen when hard work and perseverance pay off. Players like Darnell Wright, Byron Young, and Jalin Hyatt, who are looking to follow in the footsteps of former Vols greats, can look at Smith’s journey and understand what it takes to make it to the NFL and beyond.

Wright, a highly touted offensive lineman for Tennessee, has seen firsthand the type of work ethic it takes to get to the next level. As a top prospect, Wright has his eyes set on making it to the NFL, and watching Smith’s journey provides a valuable lesson in overcoming obstacles and continuing to improve.

“I’ve seen Trey put in the work, and I know what he’s been through,” Wright said. “That motivates me. It shows me that it’s not just about talent; it’s about putting in the effort every day and being prepared for the challenges that come your way. Trey has been a huge inspiration to me, and I know a lot of the guys here feel the same way.”

For these current players, Smith’s success is a living example that the dream of playing in the NFL is not out of reach. The Super Bowl is the ultimate goal for many athletes, and seeing a former Vol make it there reinforces the idea that anything is possible with the right mindset and approach.

The Broader Impact of Former College Players Succeeding in the NFL

The excitement surrounding Trey Smith’s Super Bowl appearance isn’t just about one player or one team; it represents the broader impact that former college players have in the NFL. College football programs across the country take immense pride in seeing their alumni succeed at the professional level, as it serves as a reflection of their program’s ability to develop players.

When former college stars take the field in the Super Bowl, they become more than just players; they become symbols of their programs’ success. Their achievements serve as a point of pride for their former teammates, their coaches, and their fans.

Trey Smith’s journey from Tennessee to the NFL, culminating in a Super Bowl appearance, highlights the power of perseverance, hard work, and dedication. It serves as a powerful reminder that the road to success is often paved with challenges, but those who stay committed to their goals can achieve greatness, regardless of where they start.