Troy Smith is focused on the future

Quarterback Troy Smith's career with the Baltimore Ravens could be broken down to what could have been. Stricken by a severe viral infection two years ago, Smith experienced an illness that caused him to lose more than his tonsils and a lot of weight, writes Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Smith appeared ready to become the starter...

AP file photoTroy Smith

Quarterback Troy Smith's career with the Baltimore Ravens could be broken down to what could have been.

Stricken by a severe viral infection two years ago, Smith experienced an illness that caused him to lose more than his tonsils and a lot of weight, writes Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.

Smith appeared ready to become the starter and all he needed was one more preseason game to solidify the starting job, but the infection put him on the shelf and Joe Flacco took over and became the starter.

Now as the Ravens prepare for their last preseason game, Smith is focused on the upcoming season and not the past.

 “A whole different situation, new team and just a good feel all around,” said Smith, who dealt with blood clots that moved from his throat to his lungs back in 2008. “I’m good. I didn’t get a chance to be a part of that, what happened back then. And things happen for a reason. Now, it’s a whole new year, a whole different mindset and we’re just moving forward.”

Smith, who won the Heisman Trophy at Ohio State, is expected to either start or play extensively against the Rams this time, perhaps even the entire four quarters.

There was a time where it looked like Smith could possibly land with the Cleveland Browns, at least from the point of view of Smith's former agent. His former agent, Ralph Cindrich, said Smith supposedly would crawl to his hometown of Cleveland to play for the Browns.

Ultimately, there were no takers and Smith wound up firing Cindrich and hiring Neil Cornrich.
Now, Smith is thinking about ensuring he remains in Baltimore.

“With this being my fourth year and having to go through some of the things that I’ve been through, it’s a business, first and foremost,” he said. “You can’t do anything about that. The only thing that you can control and have an effect on is what you do on a daily basis. I continuously get myself together as a player and as a man and as a quarterback, and that’s what I worry about.”