A former NFL defensive end who was playing in the XFL this season, Chris Smith, is reported to have passed away at the age of 31.
The player’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed the sad news via Twitter on Tuesday morning as he expressed sympathy for the player’s family, friends, and loved ones.
There were no additional details pertaining to Smith’s shocking death at the time of writing. But the tributes have been pouring in from fans and athletes. Buffalo Bills DE Shaq Lawson expressed pain over the news of Smith’s passing while Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku referred to the deceased as a hometown hero with a kind soul.
Smith played with the Arkansas Razorbacks for four years before being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2014. A fifth-round pick, he went on to play for the Cincinnati Bengals, Browns, Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, and Houston Texans over the span of eight years.
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The North Carolina native ended his NFL career with 80 tackles, 11 sacks, and four forced fumbles.
While playing for the Browns during the 2018/19 season, Smith’s girlfriend, who was also the mother of their daughter, was killed after getting struck by a passing car while getting out of the DE’s own car.
The 2013 Second-Team All-SEC star had just started a new career in the XFL, having signed for the Seattle Sea Dragons early last month.
TotalProSports extends condolences to Chris’ family, friends, loved ones, and his fans.
R.I.P Chris Smith – 1992-2023
