At just 21, fate brought Michigan State defensive end Armorion Smith to a critical juncture. His mother, Gala Gilliam, lost her battle with breast cancer last year. The pain was immense. But even before his mourning started, Smith also had another daunting responsibility. Raising his 4 younger siblings.

The four-bedroom and two-bathroom home that Smith lives in feels extremely lonely for him. His mother was everything the siblings had, as she brought all of them up without a father. Right from learning those tackles to taking up family responsibilities at a young age. Everything Smith learned was from his mother. But without her, life almost felt meaningless at times.

“My mom passed away on August 8th, 2024. She was 41 years old. It just broke my soul. I just wish I could talk to her. I

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