DALLAS (FWAA) — Michigan State’s Armorion Smith is this week’s nominee for the 2024 Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award. Smith, a redshirt junior defensive back, is helping to raise five siblings after the recent passing of his mother.
“My cards were given to me,” Smith told the Associated Press in September. “I didn’t choose my deck of cards.”
Smith’s mother, Gala Gilliam, died of breast cancer in August. She was 41. Smith, who told the AP that he was homeless at times while growing up, does not have a father in his life.
On Sept. 11, the 21-year-old Smith became the legal guardian for four of his siblings, who range in age from 2 to 16.
A Detroit native, Smith transferred from Cincinnati to Michigan State after the 2022 season to be closer to home in light of his mother’s diagnosis that year. His 19-year-old sister Aleion also helps look after their younger siblings.
A GoFundMe was set up that has helped the Smith family afford to rent a home in Lansing. Smith also has an NIL deal. Multiple community fundraisers have supported the Smiths as well.
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Smith suffered a season-ending injury last season with the Spartans, limiting him to four games. He tallied 20 tackles in 12 games at Cincinnati in 2022.
Smith has recorded four tackles in four games this season for the 3-2 Spartans, who are in their first year under head coach Jonathan Smith.
“I can feel her living through me,” Smith told the AP of his mother. “Almost like I hear her voice telling me how proud she is of me.”
The Courage Award was first presented by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) in 2002. A select group of writers from the FWAA vote on the winner each year. The requirements for nomination include displaying courage on or off the field, including overcoming an injury or physical handicap, preventing a disaster or living through hardship. The winner of the award will be included in festivities during Capital One Orange Bowl week and receive his trophy at an on-field presentation.
Previous winners of the Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award are Virginia runninf back Mike Hollins (2023), Oregon tight end Cam McCormick (2022), the University of Utah football Team (2021), Arkansas State analyst Alex Charlton (2020), Arkansas State coach Blake Anderson (2019), SUNY Cortland linebacker Kyle Richard (2018), Wisconsin safety D'Cota Dixon (2017), Pitt running back James Conner (2016), Miami offensive lineman Hunter Knighton (2015), Duke offensive lineman Laken Tomlinson (2014), San Jose State defensive lineman Anthony Larceval (2013), Clemson wide receiver Daniel Rodriguez (2012), Michigan State offensive lineman Arthur Ray Jr. (2011), Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand (2010), the University of Connecticut football team (2009), Tulsa's Wilson Holloway (2008), Navy's Zerbin Singleton (2007), Clemson's Ray Ray McElrathbey (2006), the Tulane football team (2005), Memphis' Haracio Colen (2004), San Jose State's Neil Parry (2003) and Toledo's William Bratton (2002).008), Navy's Zerbin Singleton (2007), Clemson's Ray Ray McElrathbey (2006), the Tulane football team (2005), Memphis' Haracio Colen (2004), San Jose State's Neil Parry (2003) and Toledo's William Bratton (2002).
About Orange Bowl
Orange Bowl is a 404-member, primarily-volunteer non-profit sports organization that promotes and serves the South Florida community. With its primary mission since being created in 1935 to bring tourism to South Florida through an annual football game and events, it has also maintained a legacy of charitable contributions and community outreach. Orange Bowl’s community outreach is embodied by the four pillars of its Orange Bowl Cares program: Youth Sports, Education, Community Engagement and Legacy Programs. Orange Bowl features a year-round schedule of events culminating with the 2024 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl on Jan. 9. 2025. For more information on the 2025 Orange Bowl events, including promotional inquiries and volunteer opportunities through the Ambassador Program, visit orangebowl.org or follow @OrangeBowl on social media.
Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of journalists, broadcasters, publicists, photographers and key executives in all areas of college football. The FWAA works to govern media access and gameday operations while presenting awards and honors, including an annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its programs and initiatives, contact Executive Director Steve Richardson at 214-870-6516 or tiger@fwaa.com.
To submit a nomination for the 2024 Capital One Orange Bowl Courage Award, contact Matt Fortuna at matt.fortuna@gmail.com.