SIMPLE GREATNESS | Simple Greatness

WHAT IS SIMPLE GREATNESS?

Simple Greatness is Heart. Choose to seek greatness, and you will begin to unravel that which is immeasurable. Pure Greatness, “Can’t Be Measured”.

Founded by Tye Smith, Simple Greatness is the cornerstone of his journey to the NFL. In spite of the struggles and setbacks, he continued to persevere for the betterment of himself and his community. The ultimate goal of Simple Greatness is to leave a positive impact on the lives of those who we cross paths with, ultimately being the light that shines.

In the spring of 2018, Tye hosted his first “Simple Greatness” youth football clinic and community service project in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity of Wake County. Tye has visited several schools and youth groups, encouraging them to tap into their Simple Greatness.

WHO IS TYE SMITH?

Humble Beginnings

Tye Smith was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. The second eldest of 8 siblings, Tye learned the core values of hard work, perseverance, humility and integrity from his hard working parents Willie and Keyya Frederick.

He fell in love with football from an early age. At Wakefield High School, Tye played wide receiver and cornerback and was team captain his senior year. Despite a solid career at Wakefield, Tye was only offered by one school, Towson University.

The Grind

Tye attended Towson University and was an immediate impact player with an illustrious career. He appeared in 50 games starting 42 games at cornerback amassing 6 interceptions, 28 pass break ups, 312 tackles, 4 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 touchdown. His collegiate career culminated with an appearance in the East/ West Shrine game and NFL combine invite.

In the 5th round of the 2015 draft, with the 170th pick, the Seattle Seahawks drafted Tye. He returned to Towson and finished his studies earning a Bachelors of Science in Sports Management with a minor in Business Administration.

Tye appeared in 4 games during the 2015 season. In 2016, Tye spent time on the Seahawks and Redskins practice squad before signing a free agent contract with the Tennessee Titans. Tye grew into his own as a NFL player, an immediate contributor on all special teams and later in the year in the secondary. He ended 2017 appearing in 15 games, starting 4 games including 2 playoff games making 19 tackles and an interception. Due to injury, his 2018 season was cut short.

The Recovery

Pain pushes until the vision pulls!

Tye missed the full 2018-2019 season due to a pectoral muscle tear. He split time rehabbing & strength conditioning at Architech Sports and Physical Therapy in Charlotte NC, and the Tennessee Titans Medical staff.

He would use his time away from football to do charitable work in his communities, such as speaking at local youth league programs. Reading was another pillar for Tye. Eckhart Tolle’s “A New Earth” was one of a few books he read and continued in studying the teaching of consciousness.

The Comeback

In his return season from injury, Tye would appear in 9 games. Week 9 he was cut and resigned two days later. He was a major contributor to the Titans playoff push playing corner in 4 of the 5 final games. Tye ended the season as a playmaker on special teams and a key contributor to the defensive backfield . His year end stats were as follows 1 TD (63 yard blocked field goal return), 25 tackles & 2 Forced fumbles.