Former Ravens WR Torrey Smith Retires

On Friday, former Baltimore Ravens and Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Torrey Smith announced his retirement.

For those of you who have been wondering why things have been quiet, it was my decision https://t.co/SBdnwVgPyZ — Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) September 13, 2019

In a video posted to social media, Smith thanks football for allowing him so many opportunities.

"I've grown and learned so much because of you, I want to thank you personally for helping me become the man I am today," Smith said.

He said that football offered him, one of seven children of a single mother, the opportunity to go to college and earn two degrees. He thanked the game for allowing him to work with great coaches and teaching him how to be a man, and for introducing him to a much larger family of teammates.

The Ravens drafted Smith out of Maryland in the second round of the 2011 draft. He won Super Bowl XLVII with the Ravens in 2013 and, after the 2014 season, signed a five-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. After a less-effective 2016 season, the San Francisco 49ers released him. He then signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, playing a key role in the squad that won Super Bowl LII.

The Eagles then traded Smith to the Panthers. He played in 11 games, starting just six. The Panthers released him on Sept. 1.

One of his career highlights came after one of the worst moments of his life. In 2013, he lost his 19-year-old brother to a motorcycle accident in Virginia. The accident happened on a Sunday that the Ravens had a scheduled game.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh gave Smith the choice to play or not. Smith decided to play and went on to have 127 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-30 win over the Patriots.

Smith is well known for his charity work. The Torrey Smith Foundation's annual charity basketball game continues to be held in Baltimore.

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WBAL-TV 11's Blair Young contributed to this report.