Why the Ravens bid farewell to Torrey SmithFormer Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith, told the world on Sunday, what many Ravens fans already suspected. He will not be returning to the team in 2015. Smith wrote an open letter to the Baltimore Ravens organization and fans thanking them for the memories and time spent together. Smith's letter to the fans was heartfelt and genuine, and was another example of the type of man the four year veteran is.
"Where do I begin? These last four years have been amazing for me. I have been able to grow as a player, and more importantly, as a man. The men who run the Baltimore Ravens organization have been essential to my growth. For that I say thank you! We have been able to win the division twice and win the ultimate prize, the Super Bowl. I will never forget the feeling that we all experienced knowing that we did it together. The way the city responded still gives me goose bumps every time I think about it. I literally dreamed of playing for the Baltimore Ravens, not just because it is a great organization with an amazing fan base, but because of the foundation of the team and the principles that the men who run it stand by and for." "To the fans, it is tough to leave a city that I now call home. Y’all have embraced my family and me, and we truly appreciate it. Your support has been unreal and I will miss being able to make y’all proud. Although I may no longer be a member of the Baltimore Ravens, at heart, I will always be a Raven. What we accomplished together is timeless. I will be playing for a different organization, but I will remain committed to the City of Baltimore. I will continue to give back and help build a better future for our young men and women. MY COMMITMENT TO THE CITY IS FOR LIFE. This isn’t a goodbye because I will still be around and Baltimore will continue to be my home in the off season and when my career is done. I’m on to the next chapter of my life and football career, but I will see you guys later. To the Baltimore Ravens Organization, good luck! Thank you, Baltimore! Love!" Smith also took the time to thank organization leaders and his teammates for the great times they shared. As far as departures go, it was one of the classiest exits in Ravens history. As those who have followed me on various forms of social media know, I was particularly hard on Torrey Smith after the Ravens loss to the New England Patriots in the Divisional round of the 2015 NFL playoffs. In my anger, I created a video, which can viewed on the front page of this website, breaking down the final interception Joe Flacco threw, while targeting Torrey Smith down by the goal line. As the video shows, my argument remains that Smith could have done more to make a play on the ball, and at the very least Smith could have caused an in completion by breaking up the interception. Who knows what may have happened had Smith caught that pass and the Ravens had been victorious on that day. Would that have changed the fate of Torrey Smith's career in Baltimore? In opinion, no, it would not have. This decision, not to bring Smith back, was all about economics. Smith just has not proven himself to be the guy you pay the huge contract to at receiver. Smith has proven to be a good down the field threat, and a great complimentary receiver. But he has not developed his game to the level of the top receivers in the league such as Dez Bryant, Jordy Nelson, and Antonio Brown. Those receivers are able to catch every ball and run every route. So the Ravens made the best decision for the team. While Torrey Smith will always be remembered as a great guy and a great contributor to the Baltimore community, the Baltimore Ravens made this decision, not to resign, him with their head and not with their heart. Good call. |
Torrey Smith #82 WR
Height: 6-0 Weight: 205 Age: 26 Born: 1/26/1989 Richmond , VA College: Maryland Experience: 4 seasons |