Football

Ravens WR Smith beats defensive backs, adversity

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Torrey Smith overcame a variety of obstacles to become the deep threat the Baltimore Ravens needed to make it to the Super Bowl.

Smith helped his single mother raise her six other children by working after school as a teenager. Early this season, his second with the Ravens, tragedy struck less than 24 hours before Baltimore faced New England on Sept. 23: Smith's younger brother, Tevin Jones, was killed in a motorcycle accident in Virginia.

Smith left the team to join his family, then returned to catch six passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns in Baltimore's 31-30 victory. Now Smith and the Ravens will play for the NFL championship against San Francisco this Sunday.

Smith has put his brother's death behind him, saying, "I'm just focused on playing football."

Related Headlines

  • John Harbaugh

    Ravens hold final practice before heading south

    The music blared in the Baltimore Ravens locker room Saturday as the players threw their football gear into black duffel bags lying in front of their cubicles. Next stop, New ... 

  • Anquan Boldin, Chris Culliver

    49ers acquire WR Boldin from Ravens

    Here's a Super Bowl twist: A guy who helped Baltimore beat San Francisco for the NFL title is now poised to join the 49ers. San Francisco acquired wide receiver Anquan Boldin ... 

  • Ed Reed

    Ravens FS Reed: 'I'll be playing next year'

    Ravens safety Ed Reed isn't planning on joining teammate Ray Lewis in retirement after the Super Bowl. "I'll be playing next year," Reed said Thursday before Baltimore hit the ... 

  • Joe Flacco

    Slumping Ravens fire offensive coordinator Cameron

    Cam Cameron has been fired as offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens, who have lost two straight and are still striving for consistency in the running and passing game. 

Find your future job here