Torrey Smith Has Huge Game For Ravens Hours After His Brother Dies

Torrey Smith’s younger brother was killed in a motorcycle accident Saturday night, and, though Baltimore Ravens coaches told the wide receiver he didn’t need to be at Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots, Smith showed up — in a big way.

After learning about his brother Tevin Chris Jones’ death in the early morning hours Sunday, Torrey Smith still suited up for the Sunday night matchup, The Associated Press noted. He showed up late in the afternoon, going through warm-up drills and starting in the game.

As ESPN.com reported, Torrey Smith wasn’t positive he would play until just a few hours before the game.

“It was tough. I didn’t know until 4 o’clock if I was going to play,” Smith said. “I only had like an hour of sleep. Emotionally, I didn’t know how I was going to hold up.”

Though he played with a heavy heart, Smith turned in quite a performance. He caught a 25-yard touchdown in the second quarter and another in the fourth quarter and had several important catches as the Ravens came from behind to beat the Patriots 31-30. Smith finished with 6 catches for 127 yards.

Before the game, there was a moment of silence for Jones, whose picture was displayed on the replay screens at the stadium. Torrey Smith sat on the sidelines, tears pouring down his face.

The accident, which took place on Route 672 in northeast Virginia, happened when Jones ran off the roadway and hit a utility pole. He was declared dead at the scene. Police said he was wearing a helmet and alcohol was not a factor. He ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a utility pole, according to Virginia State Police.

Though he said it was difficult to play, getting back to the stadium was actually helpful for Smith.

“When I came here, the more I was grounded. The more comfortable I began to feel,” Torrey Smith said. “I’m glad I came back up here. It helped me out a lot.”