Trey Smith is a man of his word. The football guard is one of those players who suffered a lot and this is why he has such a great focus on his game. Working hard from the bottom to now being at the top Smith has truly seen it all. And the biggest fact is that the things through which he suffered during his struggling days will make you want to stand up and cheer. It’s a tale of heart, hustle, and promises made to the family. And in this thing, his father played a huge role. So who exactly is his father?

Who Is Trey Smith’s Father, Henry Smith?

Henry Smith is Trey Smith’s father, and his story explains so much about the toughness in Trey’s game. Henry grew up in Haywood County, a place where life didn’t always cut him slack. He dealt with racial slurs, long days, and the kind of challenges that leave marks on a kid. But he kept pushing. That grit shaped the man he became.

He eventually made his way to the University of Tennessee–Martin. That’s where he met Dorsetta, the woman who’d later become the center of the Smith family. Henry wasn’t flashy. He didn’t talk loud. He didn’t make a show of anything. Instead, he lived slow and steady, trusting that patience wins more than panic ever could.

Trey picked that up early. Whenever life felt messy or heavy, Henry always dropped the same kind of calm advice: don’t judge too fast, don’t rush the story, let things unfold. It stuck with Trey. Those words became a compass when the world started moving faster than he expected.

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Even now, Trey talks about his dad like he’s the quiet engine running behind everything. Henry didn’t push football on him. He didn’t chase scoreboard dreams. He just made sure his son had wisdom in his pockets and a backbone that didn’t bend.

Who Is Trey Smith’s Mother, Dorsetta Smith?

Dorsetta Smith was Trey’s mother, and her influence still pulses through every decision he makes. She wasn’t just loving, she was the kind of mom who made you feel like you were built for something bigger. Trey adored her. Everyone around him knew that.

But life blindsided their family in 2014. Dorsetta was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, and everything changed overnight. Trey was still young, still figuring out the world, and suddenly his anchor was fading. He made her a promise, though. A big one. He told her he’d earn his degree and play in the NFL. No shortcuts. No excuses.

She passed away on February 10, 2015. She was just shy of her 52nd birthday. Her funeral landed on Valentine’s Day, and Trey felt like the world should’ve stopped right there. But it didn’t. And he realized something painful yet grounding: life keeps moving even when yours feels frozen.

He carried that grief into his work. He let it turn into fuel, not anger. When he talked about her later, he said, “I could either sulk or get up every day and be the person my mom wanted me to be.” And he meant that. Every lift, every practice, every long night in the film room she was the reason he stayed locked in.

Her love taught him generosity. Her heart taught him empathy. Her loss taught him focus.

What Is Trey Smith’s Parents’ Ethnicity and Nationality?

Both Henry and Dorsetta are African American and American-born. Their family roots are woven deep into Tennessee, with generations tied to the land, the community, and the long fight for dignity in the South. Trey grew up hearing stories from older relatives about resilience and faith.

His grandfather, Reverend Henry Sanders, was a Korean War veteran and a clergyman known for speaking up when things weren’t right. He even voiced support for justice after the killing of George Floyd. That kind of moral backbone runs through the family like a current.

Inside Trey Smith’s Relationship With His Parents

Trey’s relationship with his parents feels like a mix of love, loss, and the lessons that stick long after childhood ends. He had the wisdom of Henry, who taught him patience and perspective. He had the warmth of Dorsetta, who made generosity feel like a family requirement.

Even after she passed, she remained the center of his motivation. Everything he does seems tied to that promise. It didn’t end at graduation. It didn’t stop when the Chiefs called. It’s still driving him, quietly, steadily.

His bond with Henry only deepened after her death. They leaned on each other. They helped each other keep moving. Trey often says his dad still drops guidance without making a big deal of it. Just a sentence here or there that hits stronger than a whole speech.

His grandfather stepped in too. Reverend Sanders offered stories, prayer, and the kind of old-school wisdom that comes from living through real history. Trey listened. He absorbed it. It gave him perspective during the toughest seasons of his life.

Through all the highs and lows, Trey never lost sight of where he came from. His parents built his foundation. His mother lit the fire. His father shaped the mindset. And he carries both of them every time he steps on the field.