Michigan State’s Armorion Smith Nominated For Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award

DALLAS (FWAA) — Michigan State’s Armorion Smith is this week’s nominee for the 2024 Capital One Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Awad. 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.”