Seattle Seahawk player Kevin Smith stopped by St. Alphonsus Parish School last Tuesday as part of a one-day food drive to support the University District Food Bank. St. Alphonsus students and parents donated canned food and gathered in the auditorium to listen to encouraging words from Smith. Smith spoke of pursuing aspirations and to never give up and told students to “stick with it and your dreams can come true.” Later, St.Alphonsus student council members helped Smith load a Fed Ex truck with the donated goods.

Smith is a former University of Washington Husky, who was recently called up from the Seahawks practice squad. He talked about his struggles in his career and how he overcame an injury. Students asked Smith if he ever thought about leaving football. “I never considered giving up. I never give up when I put my mind to it,” said Smith.

Originally from Southern California, Smith said that Seattle is his second home and that it’s important to give back to the community, especially during the holidays. Smith thanked the students for their donations and shared high-fives and hugs before delivering the donated goods to University District Food Bank.