2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26107580D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 124

Offered February 17, 2026

Commending Torrey Smith.

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Patrons—Cole, J.G. and Cole, N.T.

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WHEREAS, Torrey Smith, a distinguished professional athlete, entrepreneur, and community leader, has brought honor and recognition to the Commonwealth through his athletic excellence, personal perseverance, and lifelong commitment to public service; and

WHEREAS, born on January 26, 1989, and raised in Colonial Beach and Fredericksburg, Torrey Smith grew up in a hardworking household led by his mother, Monica Jenkins, and, from an early age, demonstrated academic dedication, personal responsibility, and strong character; and

WHEREAS, while attending Stafford Senior High School, Torrey Smith distinguished himself as a versatile and exceptional student-athlete, excelling in football and basketball and earning multiple all-state, all-district, and regional honors for his outstanding performance; and

WHEREAS, during his high school football career, Torrey Smith played multiple positions, including quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and return specialist, and earned recognition as one of the most dynamic and accomplished athletes in the region; and

WHEREAS, Torrey Smith continued his academic and athletic career at the University of Maryland, where he earned a degree in criminology and criminal justice in 2010 and was recognized for his dedication, leadership, and athletic contributions to the football program; and

WHEREAS, selected as the 58th overall pick in the second round of the 2011 National Football League (NFL) Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, Torrey Smith embarked on a highly successful professional career spanning eight seasons; and

WHEREAS, as a member of the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Carolina Panthers, Torrey Smith earned widespread respect for his professionalism and leadership and was a key contributor to Super Bowl championship teams in 2013 and 2018; and

WHEREAS, during the offseason of his professional football career, Torrey Smith demonstrated a strong commitment to civic engagement and public service by serving as an intern in the office of the late United States Congressman Elijah Cummings, gaining firsthand experience in legislative work, community advocacy, and public leadership; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his commitment to community service, Torrey Smith was named the San Francisco 49ers' nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2016; and

WHEREAS, following his retirement from professional football in 2019, Torrey Smith has remained dedicated to strengthening communities and expanding educational opportunities for young people, particularly those from underserved backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, together with his wife, Chanel, Torrey Smith founded the Torrey Smith Family Fund, which supports mentoring programs, STEM and sports camps, scholarship initiatives, and charitable events for youth and families in the Commonwealth and surrounding states; and

WHEREAS, through the Tevin Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in honor of his late brother, Torrey Smith has provided meaningful financial assistance to college-bound students from low-income families in the Commonwealth and beyond; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his deep commitment to his hometown, Torrey Smith helped establish the Torrey Smith Recreation Park in Colonial Beach, providing recreational opportunities for future generations of Virginians; and

WHEREAS, in October 2016, Torrey Smith further invested in his community by opening a SkyZone facility in Fredericksburg, promoting healthy recreation and economic development in the region; and

WHEREAS, through his achievements in athletics, business, philanthropy, and civic engagement, Torrey Smith has served as an inspiring role model and ambassador for the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Torrey Smith hereby be commended for his outstanding career, exemplary leadership, and enduring commitment to serving the people of the Commonwealth; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Torrey Smith as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his accomplishments and appreciation for his service to the Commonwealth.