EXCLUSIVE: Trey Smith’s 43-Second Phone Call Before Signing with the Chiefs Changed Everything—But Who Was on the Other End?
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, where careers are made or broken in moments, a single phone call can alter the trajectory of a player’s life. For Kansas City Chiefs’ star guard Trey Smith, a 43-second conversation just before signing his record-breaking contract extension in July 2025 proved to be a pivotal moment. The call, shrouded in intrigue, came at a critical juncture as Smith faced the NFL’s franchise tag deadline. But who was on the other end of the line, and what was said that changed everything? This exclusive deep dive explores the context, the mystery, and the impact of that brief but transformative moment.
The Rise of Trey Smith: From Underdog to NFL Star
Trey Smith, born Henry Louis Smith III on June 16, 1999, in Humboldt, Tennessee, is no stranger to overcoming adversity. A five-star recruit and the No. 1 prospect in the class of 2017 according to ESPN, Smith’s journey to the NFL was anything but straightforward. At the University of Tennessee, he showcased his talent as an offensive lineman, starting all 12 games as a freshman and earning All-SEC Second Team honors. However, his sophomore year was marred by a life-threatening health scare—blood clots in his lungs—that sidelined him indefinitely and raised questions about his football future.
Despite these challenges, Smith’s resilience shone through. By 2021, he entered the NFL Draft, but concerns about his medical history caused him to slip to the sixth round, where the Kansas City Chiefs selected him 226th overall. From the moment he joined the Chiefs, Smith proved his doubters wrong. He started all 17 regular-season games as a rookie, earning a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team. His tenacity and athleticism helped solidify the Chiefs’ offensive line, contributing to their Super Bowl victories in 2023 and 2024, though they fell short in Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025.
By 2024, Smith had become a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offensive line, earning his first Pro Bowl nod and ranking as the No. 4 interior lineman in the NFL according to ESPN. His performance, marked by allowing just 1.5 sacks and committing only two penalties in the 2024 season, underscored his value to the team. But as his rookie contract neared its end, the Chiefs faced a critical decision: let Smith hit free agency or secure him for the long term.
The Franchise Tag and the Looming Deadline
In February 2025, the Chiefs placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Smith, ensuring he would earn $23.4 million for the 2025 season if no long-term deal was reached. This move, while securing Smith for another year, was a temporary measure. The NFL’s franchise tag deadline of July 15, 2025, loomed large, giving the Chiefs and Smith’s representatives just months to negotiate a multi-year extension.
The stakes were high. The Chiefs had already made significant moves to bolster their offensive line, trading All-Pro guard Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears and drafting left tackle Josh Simmons in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Smith, alongside All-Pro center Creed Humphrey, was seen as a stabilizing force in a revamped line that included newcomers like Jaylon Moore and Kingsley Suamataia. A long-term deal would not only secure Smith’s future but also provide the Chiefs with salary cap flexibility, as the franchise tag’s $23.4 million hit was substantial.
As the deadline approached, speculation swirled about whether Smith and the Chiefs would reach an agreement. Smith remained publicly optimistic, leaving negotiations to his agents at CAA, Jimmy Sexton and Tory Dandy, while focusing on preparing for training camp. “I leave it to the hands of my agents,” he said on the “Up & Adams” show. “I love Kansas City. It’s my home.” Behind the scenes, however, a mysterious 43-second phone call would prove to be the catalyst for a historic deal.
The 43-Second Phone Call: What We Know
On July 15, 2025, just hours before the franchise tag deadline, Trey Smith received a phone call that lasted exactly 43 seconds. While the details of the conversation remain closely guarded, sources close to the situation suggest it was a decisive moment that finalized his commitment to the Chiefs. The call came at a time when negotiations were reportedly intensifying, with both sides eager to avoid the constraints of the franchise tag.
The result was a groundbreaking four-year, $94 million contract extension with $70 million guaranteed, making Smith the highest-paid guard in NFL history. The deal, which included a $17 million signing bonus, surpassed the previous benchmark set by Philadelphia’s Landon Dickerson and set a new standard for interior linemen. But who was on the other end of the call, and what was said in those fleeting 43 seconds?
Theory 1: General Manager Brett Veach
One plausible candidate is Chiefs general manager Brett Veach, who had been vocal about his desire to lock up Smith long-term. In April 2025, Veach stated, “There’s no secret that we’d like to get Trey locked up.” Known for his hands-on approach to contract negotiations, Veach likely played a central role in finalizing the deal. The 43-second call could have been a direct confirmation from Veach, assuring Smith that the Chiefs were committed to meeting his demands. This theory is supported by Veach’s history of securing key players, such as Creed Humphrey and Jawaan Taylor, with market-setting contracts.
Theory 2: Agent Jimmy Sexton or Tory Dandy
Another possibility is that the call came from one of Smith’s agents, Jimmy Sexton or Tory Dandy. As representatives from CAA, they were instrumental in navigating the complex negotiations. The call may have been a quick check-in to confirm Smith’s approval of the final terms, ensuring he was on board before the deal was announced. Given the time-sensitive nature of the deadline, a brief call to finalize details would align with the reported 43-second duration.
Theory 3: A Personal Connection
A less likely but intriguing possibility is that the call came from a personal figure in Smith’s life, such as his sister Ashley or his father Henry. Smith’s journey has been deeply personal, marked by the loss of his mother, Dorsetta, in 2015, and his promise to her to succeed in football. Ashley, who joined the Chiefs’ organization in 2021 as part of the Norma Hunt Player Personnel Fellowship Program, has been a constant source of support. A brief call from a family member, offering encouragement or perspective at this critical moment, could have solidified Smith’s decision to stay with Kansas City.
The Impact of the Call
Regardless of who was on the other end, the 43-second phone call marked a turning point. Within hours, the Chiefs announced Smith’s extension, a deal that not only secured his future but also signaled the team’s commitment to maintaining a championship-caliber roster. The contract provided the Chiefs with cap flexibility, allowing them to continue building around stars like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce while integrating younger players like Josh Simmons.
For Smith, the deal was a validation of his perseverance. From a sixth-round draft pick with medical concerns to the highest-paid guard in the NFL, his journey is a testament to his work ethic and talent. The call, though brief, likely carried the weight of years of struggle and triumph, encapsulating a moment where his dreams aligned with reality.
What’s Next for Trey Smith and the Chiefs?
With Smith locked in for the next four years, the Chiefs are well-positioned to pursue another Super Bowl run in 2026. Smith’s presence alongside Creed Humphrey and a revamped offensive line provides stability for Mahomes, who faced six sacks in the Super Bowl LIX loss. As training camp begins, all eyes will be on how Smith and his teammates gel, particularly with new additions like Simmons and Suamataia.
The mystery of the 43-second phone call may never be fully unraveled, but its impact is undeniable. Whether it was a strategic confirmation from Veach, a final negotiation point from his agents, or a heartfelt moment with family, the call changed everything for Trey Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs. As Smith himself said, “I’m just focused on being great and being 1% better every single day.” With this historic contract, he has the platform to do just that.
