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Meet Edward Smith of EdSmithSpeaks in Peoria

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Edward Smith.

Edward, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Edward M. Smith III was born in Trenton, New Jersey and moved to the small town of Browns Mills, New Jersey as a young boy. Ed was blessed with an incredible family and wealth of attributes. His strong family foundation, faith and unwillingness to never give up have sustained him in both his personal and professional life.

At an early age, Ed played the games that many boys do – baseball, basketball and football. As he grew, so did his skill on the playing fields and his true passion for sports. By the time, Ed neared the end of his high school career at the age of 17, the unbelievable task of deciding his entire future weighed heavily on his shoulders. Which sport, baseball or football? At what level, collegiate or professional?

Ed chose to forgo college and pursue his professional career directly out of high school in 1987. He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 7th round and began the quest to accomplish his childhood dream of playing Major League Baseball two days after graduating from Pemberton Township High School. After traveling the winding road of minor league baseball for nine years, frustrated by the results and direction of his career, Ed came to a crossroad in his life – the love he had for baseball had been replaced by the cruel reality of the business. It was time for a professional change, but what would he do next?

Overcoming incredible odds, Ed pursued football as a second career. His transformation from a 9-year minor league baseball veteran to a tight end in the NFL was accomplished by a level of perseverance and dedication rarely seen. One of the rewards for all the hard work, an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIII as a member of the 1998 NFC Champions – The Atlanta Falcons (The Dirty Birds).

Today Ed lives in Peoria, Arizona. His autobiography, EZ Does It: The Journey of a Lifetime, was published in 2005. He travels the country as a Motivational Speaker, does Sports Talk Radio (EZ Sports Talk on NBC Sports Radio KDUS 1060AM – Phoenix) and supports a variety of charities and organizations. Ed’s biggest passion is encouraging the youth of America to stay on the right track and never give up on their dreams. “If you continue to chase them, you never know what amazing possibilities lay ahead.”

Has it been a smooth road?
My journey has taken me along a long winding road. Two days after graduating from high school in 1987, I began my professional sports career, spending 9 years climbing the ladder through the minor leagues. At the end of my baseball career, I came to a crossroad and knew it was time for a change.

Through a great deal of internal struggle and contemplation, I decided to pursue a career in the National Football League, after nearly ten years away from the sport. Overcoming incredible odds, I was successful at becoming a Tight End in the NFL, culminating in an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIII with the Atlanta Falcons (1998 NFC Champions).

After retiring from sports in 2001, I began the next journey, pursuing success as a professional in the corporate world. With the same determination and hard working attitude, I have continued to achieve success. In 2005, I wrote and had my autobiography, EZ Does It: The Journey of a Lifetime, published. I am also a radio personality on NBC Sports Radio – Phoenix and travel the country as a Motivational/Inspirational Speaker.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with EdSmithSpeaks – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My vision is to inspire and motivate my audience to create lifelong shining moments. I believe in the inherent potential of every individual and I know that sometimes it needs to be stirred and brought into focus so that we can accomplish our dreams and make the most of our lives. Through my book EZ Does It and speaking engagements, I instill the lessons and values I’ve learned throughout my life as a professional athlete and father.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the diversity of the people here in Phoenix. Through my travels, I have covered all corners of our beautiful country, the people here in the valley are as good as any.

The part I like least about the city are the hot summers but it’s an even trade off for the beautiful winter months. During the summer, I run from one air conditioned location to the next, try to stay out of the heat as much as possible. During the winter months, it is bliss out here. While the majority of the country is bundled up from head to toe battling snow and inclement weather, I’m moving around outside comfortable in a pair of shorts.

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