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          NFL Nation

          Torrey Smith named Ravens' Man of the Year nominee

          • Jamison Hensley, ESPN Staff WriterDec 19, 2014, 12:40 PM ET
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              Jamison Hensley is a reporter covering the Baltimore Ravens for ESPN. Jamison joined ESPN in 2011, covering the AFC North before focusing exclusively on the Ravens beginning in 2013. Jamison won the National Sports Media Association Maryland Sportswriter of the Year award in 2018, and he authored a book titled: Flying High: Stories of the Baltimore Ravens. He was the Ravens beat writer for the Baltimore Sun from 2000-2011.
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          OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Wide receiver Torrey Smith was officially recognized Friday as the Baltimore Ravens' nominee for the NFL's annual Man of the Year award -- named after former Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton.

          The award goes to one of 32 players who are considered the best on their teams at community service and philanthropy. Smith was nominated for his efforts to educate Baltimore youth and underprivileged children.

          "I think 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."

          The Torrey Smith Foundation began a reading room program that has enabled 447 students in Baltimore-area schools access to over 700 books, electronic readers and a place to read. He has also started a mentoring program that will give 30 Baltimore high school students a chance to spend time at the University of Maryland.

          "I feel like being in this position, as a professional athlete, a lot of responsibility comes with it," Smith said. I take a lot of pride in it."

          Each of the 32 team nominees receive a $1,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to the charity of their choice.

          Three of the league’s 32 nominees will be announced as the finalists in January 2015. The winner will be announced in Arizona on Jan. 31, 2015 -- the day before the Super Bowl -- during the 4th Annual NFL Honors awards show.

          "Anytime I have an opportunity to give back, I do. It's something I will continue to do long after my playing days are over," Smith said. "This is basically home for me now. I'm going to make it home for me now when I'm done playing ball, too. I'm committed to this city."