Tyron Smith gratitude for USC highlights legacy of program

It has been a couple of weeks since former USC lineman Tyron Smith retired from the NFL. While on campus, he proved to be the best in the trenches. Then, with the Dallas Cowboys and one year with the New York Jets, Smith compiled an all-time offensive tackle career that will land him in the Hall of Fame.

The USC social media posted a clip of Smith's retirement press conference on its X account. His words focused on and appreciated his time as a Trojan. Coming to a top university in the nation is to set oneself up for success. In terms of football, it's about development and giving athletes the best chance to make enough of an impression to garner NFL interest.

Smith sharing what playing for the Trojans meant to him further illustrates how USC has always separated itself from other programs. In terms of getting into the league and then leaving a hallmark in the NFL, there hasn't been any other school that has been able to match the professional-level output.

On a day that has seen significant present-day news come down the pipeline, the reminder of what one of the greats accomplished on the field from a prior era presents an excellent opportunity to revisit what he means to the Trojans.

Importance of remembering past USC players

In part of his parting words on his football-playing days, Smith made certain to mention the role that USC played in and continues to have in his life. He shared:  

"Those three years flew by. Being a Trojan taught me to be a Trojan for life."

Legacy and program heritage are important. There is a need to always look back and cherish what those days meant and what players during past seasons contributed. For the current student-athletes, being able to learn and look at those who came before them with pride is only part of what makes USC the pLAcae to be.