FRISCO, TEXAS — Jason Witten held his third annual Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year award ceremony on Tuesday night at the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters. Three finalists were recognized for their leadership abilities and off the field work in their respective communities: Isaiah Sanders, Michael Pittman Jr., and Trey Smith.
The three athletes were commemorated for their excellent character that has been embodied by Witten throughout his 16-year pro career. The award annually recognizes a Division I football player who has shown courage and integrity. Tennessee’s left guard Trey Smith won the award.
Smith has faced adversity head on throughout his life, mirroring the way he blocks defensive tackles on the football field. He lost his mother to congestive heart failure in high school and in college following his standout freshman year; he was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs. His career was in question but he worked his way back and was cleared by doctors. This past season he did not participate in full contact drills during practice but still dominated on the field with his power and willingness to finish blocks. He earned First-Team All-Southeastern Conference honors for his contribution on the field.
Now he has also received praise for his work in the Knoxville community. Smith has led coat drives for the Knoxville Area Rescue Ministry the last two seasons and over 1,000 coats were donated each year. In addition to winning the award, a $10,000 contribution in Smith’s name will be given to his school’s athletic scholarship fund, provided by Witten’s SCORE Foundation.
Before receiving the award, Trey Smith spoke with the local Dallas media on being recognized by Witten. He responded, “ It means a lot. Honestly, just blessed to be in this position. Really humbled to be here tonight, just a great venue. Somehow I wouldn’t expect it coming into 2018 last year if you asked me where I’d be a year later, I wouldn’t expect this. I’m just extremely blessed to be here.”
