Chris Smith, who used to play in the NFL and was 31 years old, has passed away, according to his agent Drew Rosenhaus. The Salisbury Post reported that the reason behind the former defensive lineman’s death has not yet been disclosed.
Rest in Peace Chris,” read Rosenhaus’s on Smith. “Condolences to all his family, friends and loved ones. We will miss you,” the statement further read.
Smith’s high school football team, West Rowan at Mount Ulla, North Carolina, also paid tribute to the late player with an emotional tweet. “Rest in Peace to a West Rowan Legend! Chris was a better person than he was a player. The impact he had on those around him will be remembered forever!” read the school’s tweet.
A look at Smith’s career
Smith played eight seasons in the NFL after being picked in the fifth round by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2014. He played one season with the Cincinnati Bengals, two seasons with the Cleveland Browns, one season with the Las Vegas Raiders, and one season with the Houston Texans in 2021, his final season in the NFL.
Smith appeared in 72 games over eight seasons, totaling 81 tackles and 55 solo stops. In addition, he had 26 assist tackles and 11 sacks to his credit. Smith left the NFL to join the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons. During the current season, he appeared in five games for the Dragons.
In response to his death, the XFL issued a statement that said, “Chris was a powerful presence in the locker room. Loved and admired by his teammates and the coaching staff. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family at this difficult time.”
Smith attended Arkansas and was selected second-team All-SEC following the 2013 season. Smith was a defensive playmaker and team captain at Arkansas. Smith’s undergraduate career accomplishments include being voted the Shrine Bowl’s Defensive MVP in 2009.