2x ALL-PRO RUNNING BACK STEVE SMITH RETURNS FOR 2025 SEASON

The Erie Express are pleased to announce the return of 2x All-Pro RB-Steve Smith (Toledo University) for the 2025 season. Steve begins his third season with the Express and returns as one of our starting running backs.

Last season, Steve was a TPFL Auto Pick for leading the league in a statistical category. For the year Steve finished 1st in rushing during the regular season, tied for 1st in rushing touchdowns, tied for 2nd in points scored and tied for 1st in touchdowns scored.

Smith finished with 86 carries for 615 yards and 5 touchdowns. Steve added 4 receptions for 60 yards and a kickoff return for 12 yards. All together, Steve accounted for 687 total yards of offense for us.

Steve did an amazing job for us and played a major role in our TPFL Championship game appearance. We finished the season 11-2 and received an invite to the I-75 Pro Advancement Bowl.

We also accepted the invite in January to compete for a National Championship in the USA Bowl in Daytona, FL. Steve played a major role in those team accolades!

Steve was named TPFL All-Pro, was the Erie Express Running Back of the Year as well as Co-Offensive Player of the Year.

As a rookie, Steve finished the season with 419 total yards of offense and 3 TDs.

Steve was named Special Teams Player of the Week 6 versus the Capital City Seahawks.

For his efforts, Steve was named GDFL All-Pro for the 2023 season as well as Erie Express Running back of the Year.

Steve had a stellar high school career playing three seasons for Mercyhurst Prep before finishing his career at Erie High School. In 2019 Steve finished the season with 1,993 yards and 25 TD's. Steve holds the Erie County record with 508 yards and 6 TD's in a single game. Against Cathedral Prep Steve ran for 293 and a pair of TD's as a Senior. Steve is a 3x All Region Selection and a PIAA All State Selection and selected to play in the Save an Eye All Star Game.

"Steve was a guy we could count on to make the big play when needed. He has tremendous speed and football IQ. His natural athletic ability on top shelf and he is a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball. We are blessed to have him back on board and are expecting another All-Pro caliber year from him in 2025"-Director of Operations Paul Pennington.

Steve is sponsored by the Lions Eye Bank of NW PA

Please visit and LIKE their Facebook page today to help show support for those that support us.

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Lions-Eye-Bank-of-NW-PA-295040837686984/

Welcome back on board the PAINTRAIN Steve! GO EXPRESS!