Torrey Smith pens letter explaining he won't return to Ravens in 2015
Torrey Smith explained his decision not to return to the Baltimore Ravens for the 2015 season in a letter called "Dear Baltimore," published on his own blog Saturday.
Smith will become a free agent Tuesday and is being pursued by a number of teams, with the San Francisco 49ers reportedly emerging as the favorite.
The 26-year-old spent the entirety of his four-year career with the Ravens, winning a Super Bowl with the club in 2012.
Smith's letter thanked several members of the Ravens organization for helping him succeed, including the owner:
These last four years have been amazing for me. I have been able to grow as a player, and more importantly, as a man. The men who run the Baltimore Ravens organization have been essential to my growth. For that I say thank you!
Mr. Steve Bisciotti, I can’t thank you enough for what you have done for my family and me. Your words of wisdom and support have meant everything to me, and the love that you have shown my family was truly unconditional. I will never forget how supportive you were when my brother passed away. It was one of the darkest moments of my life and you were there for me when I needed support the most.
Smith's brother Tevin died in a motorcycle accident in September 2012. The following day, Smith put together a tour-de-force performance against the New England Patriots, catching six passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns.
Smith concluded his letter by thanking the city and reiterating his commitment to the community:
I will be playing for a different organization, but I will remain committed to the City of Baltimore. I will continue to give back and help build a better future for our young men and women. MY COMMITMENT TO THE CITY IS FOR LIFE. This isn’t a goodbye because I will still be around and Baltimore will continue to be my home in the offseason and when my career is done. I’m on to the next chapter of my life and football career, but I will see you guys later.
To the Baltimore Ravens Organization, good luck! Thank you, Baltimore! Love!
Smith caught 49 passes for 767 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.