The late Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton was nicknamed "Sweetness."
That was a nod of respect to the Hall of Fame running back's moves on the football field as well as his good-natured personality and generosity off the field.
Those qualities were recognized in wide receiver Torrey Smith by the Ravens on Friday when he was named the franchise's nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. Smith is one of 32 NFL players nominated for an award that will be presented Jan. 31 during the NFL Honors program.
The former Maryland standout emphasized that the award is nice, but it's not why he and his wife, Chanel, are so involved in the community. That includes mentoring and reading programs for children.
"I feel like you're getting rewarded for what you're supposed to do," Smith said. "I don't think it's really anything special that I'm doing. We're in a position where we all know what it's like on the outside looking in. We looked up to athletes or entertainers or whoever you may look up to, and they're in a position where you can actually see it.
"So, if you can see the way someone is living or that they're giving back and helping others, I just think it shows you're being selfless and that you truly care about other people."
Growing up in Virginia, Smith said he didn't pattern himself after any particular athletes in terms of how to conduct himself off the field.
"I just kind of do my own thing," Smith said. "Everything my foundation does, with the exception of the reading rooms, is all things that we, my wife and I, came up with, and the people who run my foundation kind of put it in order and make things happen. But even right now, we've been focusing on 'real change' lately.
"That's a term that we adopted, because we feel like we do a lot of different things in the community. The reading rooms are awesome. That's a part of real change, because it's helping people further their education and enjoy reading more and able to be more productive. But also, we're creating a mentoring program.
"With the holidays, you help someone for Christmas, that's awesome. It's a blessing, but that lasts for a day. Their toys or whatever they may get, they're going to appreciate it, but that only lasts for so long. How are you truly helping them help themselves?
"With the mentoring program, we're trying to get some kids in, show them the University of Maryland – that's where it's going to be – let them kind of see their surroundings and get out of Baltimore for a little while and be able to see themselves in the shoes that I was once in as a college student that has nothing to do with football, but being someone trying to better yourself."
Smith is in the final year of his contract and no deal is imminent. He's expressed hope throughout the year that something will be worked out.
Smith said he intends to remain active in the Baltimore community beyond his NFL career.
"I feel like being in this position as a professional athlete, a lot of responsibility comes with it, and I take a lot of pride in it," Smith said. "To give back to the community [is important], especially Baltimore – a city full of kids who, even though I grew up in a smaller town, I can relate to their family situations and the things they're going through.
"Anytime I have the opportunity to give back, I do, and that includes my family as well, my wife, my child. We're always out in the community, and that's something I will continue to do long after my playing days are over, because this is basically home for me now. I'm going to make it home for me when I'm done playing ball, too, so I'm committed to this city."