SUNDAY SPOTLIGHT: Anthony Smith

Athletes who play with passion are special. When the Pioneers coaching staff was asked to describe offensive lineman Anthony Smith with one word, nearly all of them said “passion”. Smith has played many years of semi-pro football, but it’s his time with the Pioneers that has left the biggest mark on him. Smith attended a Pioneer Youth Football Camp as a kid and it changed him. He has wanted to play for the Pioneers since then and now he is not only a Pioneer, but a champion.

”No matter the score,” says Coach Damien Rochon-Washington, “Anthony wants to win every single down, and is capable of doing so. Not everyone is.” Smith has become a leader both on and off the field for the Pioneers. In the last game against the Show Semi-Pro Football, Smith came off the field after each offensive series encouraging his teammates and lifting them up. “The Pioneers have watched him grow from a kid who attended Pioneer youth camps to a dedicated & happy father and husband as well as a phenomenal player, we are all incredibly proud of him,” Coach Rochon-Washington says of Smith.

When asked about what it means to be a Pioneer, Smith speaks of the family aspect of the team. “Being a Pioneer to me is a brotherhood,” Smith says. “I’ve gained so many brothers since joining this team. Pioneers have been amazing to me, on and off the field. From having my son to losing family members, the Pioneers have been in my life since I was a kid. They were always at my youth football clinics and as a kid I thought these guys were so cool. They had the trophies the rings everything. Never did I think years later I would be playing for a organization that I looked up to so much.” After the 2022 Northern Elite Football League championship, Smith will now be forever linked to the championship legacy of the Pioneers.

Smith is always looking to the future. He has sound advice for any who seek to join the Pioneers. “My advice for anyone is be prepared to work . Nothing is handed to you. Come here ready to compete but ready to gain another family that would go to battle with you any day of the week.”

A big matter of pride for Smith is being able to look up into the stands and see his wife and children there rooting for him. The Pioneers are extremely proud of Smith and feel fortunate the organization has gotten to watch him grow into the phenomenal man, father, and player he is today.

Anthony Smith has committed to playing for the Pioneers until he retires as a player. Something tells us when he hangs up the cleats, he will be seen on the sideline wearing the Cardinal Motion P on a coach’s polo.

”I’m here until I am told P-Unit is no more,” says Smith.

The Sunday Spotlight is a weekly publication meant to highlight a member of our organization. During the season, it will focus on active players.