Raising the Rookies Right

Former NFL wide receiver Torrey Smith made headlines in 2022 when he criticized the "Rookie Dinner." A hazing ritual where new players get stuck with a huge dinner bill for the team. But he didn't stop there. Torrey also coaches the smallest rookies in the game, preparing a new crop of players for the league.

Shooting for the New York Times, I visited Torrey and his team of tiny titans as they learned the fundamentals of the game.

Torrey Smith watches as two young players practice passing
Torrey Smith leading his team in practice
Torrey Smith leading his team in practice
Torrey Smith leading his team in practice
A young footballer rests his hand on a teammates shoulder
Torrey Smith leading his team in practice
Young players wait for the practice game to start
Torrey Smith takes photos of two of his players and their rewards for hard hitting
Torrey Smith sits for a portrait on the sidelines of his little league team's practice
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