Wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. might not be playing for the Baltimore Ravens currently after tearing his Achilles tendon against the San Diego Chargers in week 8, but that doesn't mean he isn't still working. Nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award mostly for his work against domestic violence, the Ravens receiver is previewing some of what he will be focused on after his football career is over.
Smith knows all too well the issues and impacts that domestic violence being a survivor of it himself. Having watched his mother suffer, the veteran receiver took his fame and fortune as a top-level receiver in the NFL to form the Steve Smith Family Foundation to better be able to help those in need
Through his charity, Smith has created the "Lace Up Son" 5K to drive in funds and to tell the story of his own experiences to raise awareness. He combines with the House of Ruth here in Baltimore to help out in the community of his new home. House of Ruth is Maryland's biggest domestic violence charity that helps thousands of battered women and their children find safety and security, much like his own charity.
The NFL has interviewed Steve Smith and the other nominees for what they do in their community. All the videos are incredibly touching portraits of men that understand that they have a much louder voice to champion the causes near and dear to their hearts.