Kansas City Chiefs OL Trey Smith reflects on health issues before the 2021 NFL Draft
During the latest episode of New Heights, Travis Kelce and his brother Jason welcomed Kansas City Chiefs offensive guard Trey Smith. The Pro Bowl offensive lineman opened up about his battle with blood clots at Tennessee.
"One week in conditioning, we were doing half-gassers, and I passed out. I had never passed out. I couldn't breathe well," said Smith, "I lost 13 pounds in a day. I remember talking to our team doctor, 'Hey, you guys gotta run more tests on me; I feel terrible. And he's like, 'We're gonna do a blood draw, just go ahead and go to class."
After starting at left tackle during his sophomore season, Tennessee's medical staff discovered blood clots in Smith's lungs and ruled him out indefinitely. The issue was identified in February 2018, before the start of spring practice.
"They rush me to the hospital and figure out that I have blood clots in both sides of my lungs," said Smith, "So that was sort of one of those moments where it's like, man, can I still play football? Like, what does this mean? And pretty much, I was working with the doctors for five months. (I had to go on) blood thinners."
Smith started all ten games in his last collegiate season, earning first-team All-SEC honors for the Volunteers.
"So it was a crazy experience. But in my junior year, I was able to play the entire season. Decided to stay at Tennessee, "said Smith, "I made a promise to my deceased mom, Dorsetta Smith, that I would get my degree and play in the NFL one day. So I kept my promise."
Smith was drafted in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft and has emerged as one of the best offensive linemen in the league.
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