Former NFL Player Chris Smith Dead At 31
Chris Smith, a former defensive lineman for the NFL, passed away at the age of 31, according to his agent Drew Rosenhaus and the Seattle Sea Dragons of the XFL.
The player’s death’s circumstances are still unknown because no more information was provided on Tuesday.
The Mount Ulla native played for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks after graduating from high school, and the Jacksonville Jaguars selected him in the fifth round of the 2014 draft.
In 2014, Smith signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars and started his NFL career as a defensive tackle. But tragedy had damaged his personal existence. In 2019, a few weeks after giving birth to their kid, his girlfriend Petara Cordero perished in a vehicle accident.
Former NFL defensive end Chris Smith, has passed away at the age of 31. R.I.P. 🕊️ https://t.co/P6dHCTyA4t pic.twitter.com/DshVFdAKh2
— theScore (@theScore) April 18, 2023
Later, he played with the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and Houston Texans in the NFL for a total of eight seasons starting in 2021.
In March, he signed a contract with the XFL Seattle Sea Dragons, an American minor league football team.
Smith played five games with the Sea Dragons this year, making five tackles.
Former NFL player Chris Smith, who spent 8 years in the league has died at age 31 🙏😔 pic.twitter.com/3UNITCak3g
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) April 18, 2023
Loved Ones Praying Tribute To Chris Smith
West Rowan High School in North Carolina offered a tribute to Smith on Twitter, writing: “Rest in Peace to a West Rowan Legend!”
“Chris was a better person than he was player! The impact he had on those around him will be remembered forever!” the statement said.
Former NFL defensive end Chris Smith has died at age 31, his agent confirmed.
He was a member of the XFL's Seattle Sea Dragons this season.https://t.co/lKOO2IqYEx pic.twitter.com/2W7PlLOtHx
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 18, 2023
Browns of Cleveland tight end Chris Smith, please rest in heaven, David Njoku tweeted. a beloved sibling and hometown hero. Such a good person. This breaks my heart.
Buffalo Bills tight end Shaq Lawson penned: “Man Prayers up for Chris Smith family.”
Derek Carr, a former Raiders quarterback, shared a photo of Smith from their playing days with the remark, “Love you bro.”
Former NFL player Chris Smith dies at 31 https://t.co/S3BqOlmy2i
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) April 18, 2023
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