Trey Smack's path to the NFL is unconventional. The Green Bay Packers' sixth-round pick (No. 216 overall) didn't consider football until his sophomore year of high school, playing soccer and lacrosse instead. A teammate's father happened to be former NFL kicker Matt Stover, who recognized Smack's natural talent after watching him kick just one ball without warmup.

Stover immediately called Smack's mother, declaring the teenager had a "pro leg" at age 16. The COVID-19 pandemic, which shut down lacrosse in Maryland, gave Smack time to focus exclusively on kicking. He rose from No. 13 to No. 1 in high school kicker rankings within a year. At Florida, Smack converted 53 of 64 field goals and 100 of 101 extra points.

The Packers' kicking situation has been unsettled since Mason Crosby's departure. After releasing veteran Brandon McManus, who signed a $15.3 million contract, Green Bay turned to Smack. Special teams coordinator Cam Achord praised Smack's consistent ball flight, essential for kicking in Green Bay's elements.

When snow flurries greeted Smack on his first day of rookie minicamp, he confidently told coaches he could kick in the cold. His response satisfied head coach Matt LaFleur, who had asked the question twice. Smack's combination of natural talent and Stover's mentorship positions him as the likely solution to Green Bay's kicking carousel.