In a jaw-dropping moment that has sparked outrage among Tennessee fans and NFL analysts alike, an ESPN analyst shockingly referred to former Vols standout Trey Smith as a ‘backup’ ahead of Super Bowl 59. The comment, made during a live segment discussing key players in the upcoming championship showdown, has quickly gone viral, with many questioning the analyst’s credibility and knowledge of Smith’s impact in the NFL.
The Controversial Statement
During a discussion about offensive line play heading into Super Bowl 59, the ESPN analyst—whose name is being withheld for now—dismissively labeled Trey Smith as a ‘backup-caliber’ lineman. The remark came as a shock to those familiar with Smith’s career, given that he has been a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line since being drafted in the sixth round in 2021.
“He’s a solid piece, but let’s be honest—he’s not a game-changer. At best, he’s a quality backup in this league,” the analyst stated.
That single sentence was enough to ignite a firestorm of backlash from Tennessee supporters, Chiefs fans, and even fellow analysts who immediately jumped to Smith’s defense.
Trey Smith’s Journey from Tennessee to NFL Stardom
For those unfamiliar with his story, Trey Smith’s journey to the NFL is one of perseverance, talent, and overcoming adversity. A five-star recruit out of high school, Smith committed to Tennessee and quickly became one of the top offensive linemen in the SEC.
However, his career was nearly derailed when he was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs, causing him to miss significant playing time in college. Despite this major health scare, Smith battled back and returned to the field, proving himself as one of the most dominant linemen in the country.
Yet, concerns about his medical history caused him to slip in the 2021 NFL Draft, ultimately landing with the Chiefs in the sixth round. Since then, Smith has been nothing short of a revelation, becoming a vital part of Kansas City’s offensive front and helping lead the team to multiple deep playoff runs.
NFL Analysts and Fans Clap Back
It didn’t take long for NFL experts and fans to respond to the analyst’s take, many of whom were quick to highlight Smith’s undeniable contributions.
“Trey Smith is not just a starter; he’s a beast on that offensive line,” former NFL lineman and current analyst Brian Baldinger tweeted. “One of the biggest draft steals in years. Calling him a backup is just laughable.”
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has also repeatedly praised Smith’s work ethic and physicality, often crediting him as one of the team’s most valuable offensive linemen.
“He plays with an edge, and that’s exactly what we need up front. He’s been a rock for us,” Reid said earlier this season.
Tennessee Vols Fans Go on the Offensive
Unsurprisingly, Vols Nation was having none of the ESPN analyst’s comments. Tennessee fans flooded social media with highlights of Smith dominating defenders, both in college and the NFL.
“Backup?? Are we talking about the same Trey Smith who has been mauling defensive linemen for years now? The disrespect is unreal,” one Tennessee fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Many pointed out that Smith’s presence on the Chiefs’ line has been crucial in protecting star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, particularly in high-stakes games like the Super Bowl. Without Smith and his fellow linemen, Mahomes’ ability to make plays would be significantly compromised.
Will ESPN Issue a Retraction?
As the backlash continues to grow, many are wondering whether the analyst or ESPN will issue a clarification or retraction of the statement. While sports analysts are entitled to their opinions, completely misrepresenting a player’s role—especially one as impactful as Smith—calls into question the accuracy of such commentary.
Historically, ESPN has walked back controversial comments when faced with overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Some fans are demanding an apology, while others believe the analyst should be held accountable for spreading misinformation.
“I get that hot takes are part of the industry, but this is just lazy analysis. If you don’t know how good Trey Smith is, you probably shouldn’t be talking about the Super Bowl,” former Tennessee player and media personality Ramon Foster said.
Super Bowl 59: A Chance for Trey Smith to Silence Critics
While the analyst’s comments have sparked controversy, they also serve as motivation for Smith heading into Super Bowl 59. The Chiefs will be relying on their offensive line to hold off an elite pass rush, and Smith has a prime opportunity to showcase exactly why he is far from a backup.
If Kansas City secures another championship and Smith plays a key role—as he has all season—this entire debate will become even more absurd in hindsight. There’s no better way to silence critics than by proving them wrong on the biggest stage in football.
Final Thoughts: A Ridiculous Take That Will Not Age Well
It’s rare to see an analyst make such an obviously misguided claim about a player who has proven his worth time and time again. Trey Smith has been a dominant force on the Chiefs’ offensive line, and dismissing him as a mere backup is not only inaccurate—it’s downright disrespectful.
With the Super Bowl just days away, all eyes will be on Smith as he looks to help Kansas City add another Lombardi Trophy to their collection. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that doubting Trey Smith is a mistake that tends to age very poorly.
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