Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive tackle Dorian Smith doesn’t shy away from hard work, tough decisions, and most recently, tough questions. But anyone at 6’2 265lbs probably wouldn’t be afraid of much either way. Growing up in Van Nuys California, Dorian’s outlook on life has always been to live for tomorrow all the while enjoy today, as long as he got a chance to play his favorite sport, baseball. But baseball was not in Dorian’s future, and that was ok with him since he took to the game of football so easily. In his senior year of high school, Dorian helped take his team to the football state championship and won. His journey after that is where his tough work and tough decision making formed. He first attended Alabama A&M, but decided that the university was not a good fit for him so he went to the College of The Desert Community College in order to gain another opportunity at a division-1 university. Dorian went on to earn a full ride at Oregon State University where he went on to gain two bowl game victories and First Team All Pac 10 awards. But after a brief stint with the Washington Redskins, Dorian found himself looking for his next opportunity to fulfill his dream of playing in the National Football League. Dorian earned a chance to play in the Canadian Football League for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers where he now resides as a top-notch defensive tackle.
In a recent interview with Dorian via over the phone, I had a chance to get some great insight on Dorian’s outlook on his past, future, and dreams. When asked him what motivated him the most in pursuing his dream, he simply responded by saying, “a better life”. I asked if he could please elaborate on his answer and he continued by stating, “my ultimate goal is to do what I love, all the while making a lot of money doing it.” Something I think anyone breathing would agree on. He went on to say that his dream is not just his, but his grandparents, mother, and friends dream for him. “I do this for everything I love, and it just so happens that I love money as well, hahaha”.
I continued the interview by asking Dorian when did he realize that playing professional football could become possible and he stated that he knew it was possible from his years in high school because he felt that no one could deny him of what he worked so hard for. “I work hard man, harder than most people I know because for every squat, bench, or cleans rep, it makes me that much more prepared for the next game.” But with all that said, I asked about the financial implications of being a professional athlete and what might be some of the huge misunderstandings. “We don’t make more than people think, well in Canada at least. For me, most of my money goes to prior school loans, car note, and wedding planning. So really, I live check to check. That’s why I work hard to get to the NFL so maybe I can be able to live a little more lavishly. And in Canada, the currency is a lot different too.” That led me to the next question of the different concerns within the international sports industry. “I wouldn’t say there are many concerns, but some of the issues are not being around family much. They can’t make it to many games. It would be cool to have more family out here to see me play but its kind of like college because all of my family was in California while I was in Oregon.”
After a quick hold as Dorian received a call from his agent, who lives in the United States, it lead me to my next question on his relationship with his agent. “Me and my agent are cool, I mean, since I’m in Canada, he doesn’t get any of my money which is good, but at the same time, we keep a good standing relationship so when an opportunity comes up in the NFL, he knows where I’m at physically and mentally. I like where I’m at right now because it keeps me hungry. My team is having a pretty good season and we still have a lot more football to play so it gives me a chance to keep improving. Sure there are challenges but that comes with any profession. I’m just glad I still have the opportunity to keep doing what I love.” Following that response, Dorian had to run to practice as they were preparing for a big game for first place. I thanked him for his time and wished him luck for the rest of the season, but before he hung up, he gave me some grief for not making the trip to go see him play yet. But we made a deal, one interview for one game visit so I guess I need to get my passport as soon as possible.
Knowing Dorian on a more personal level, I know that this interview was 100% genuine and honest. I have always respected his work ethic and desire to finish what he has started. His strong personality definitely stands out both on the field and off of it. And there is not a doubt in my mind that he will get another opportunity to play in the National Football league and do well. This was a great experience for me to learn more about my close friend, as well as gain more understating about the other professional leagues outside of the US
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