Former NFL defensive end Chris Smith, who played for various teams, passed away at the age of 31. The news of his death was shared by his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, on Twitter, who also expressed his condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the deceased.
Early Life and Career
Chris Smith played college football at Arkansas before being selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth-round of the 2014 draft. He played for several other teams in the NFL, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Las Vegas Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, and Baltimore Ravens. He last played in the NFL for the Houston Texans in 2021, but had signed for the XFL's Seattle Sea Dragons in March.
Tributes from NFL Players
After the news of his death, several NFL players paid tribute to Smith on social media. Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku shared his heartfelt condolences and praised Smith as a "hometown hero and a brother to everyone." Similarly, former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr shared a photo of himself with Smith and wrote a message expressing his love for his late friend.
Personal Tragedy
Smith had suffered a personal tragedy when his girlfriend, Petara Cordero, passed away in 2019 after being hit by a car. The couple had recently welcomed a daughter together.
The NFL fraternity has lost a talented player and a beloved member. Chris Smith's contributions to the game will always be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire the younger generations of players. May his soul rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in this difficult time.
