In a heartfelt moment that transcends football, Kansas City Chiefs offensive guard Trey Smith made NFL history by signing a contract extension that makes him one of the highest-paid right guards in the league — and he credits it all to faith and a promise he made to his late mother.

Smith, a former sixth-round pick who overcame serious health concerns early in his career, reflected on his journey during a moving press conference at Chiefs training camp this week.

“Before she passed, I told my mom I would never give up,” Smith said. “Every rep, every snap — it’s for mom.”

After losing his mother to heart failure in 2015, Smith leaned on his Christian faith and personal resolve to fuel a remarkable rise from a risky medical draft pick to a Super Bowl champion and team cornerstone. His resilience has not only inspired his teammates but also earned the admiration of the entire NFL community.

The new deal is not just a financial milestone — it’s a symbol of perseverance and family legacy. Smith’s story is a testament to how belief, both spiritual and personal, can carry someone from heartbreak to the highest levels of professional success.