Former National Football League (NFL) player Chris Smith passes away at the age of 31. He was picked in the 5th round of the 2014 NFL draft and was the 159th pick overall. He has been a part of NFL teams such as Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, and Huston Texans. After spending 8 seasons in the NFL, Smith was a part of the XFL team Seattle Sea Dragons in the 2023 season.
The news of his death was first shared by his North Carolina high school West Rowan’s Twitter account and it was subsequently confirmed by Salisbury Post. But, neither report revealed the cause of death. However, according to a report from Daily Mail, the football player passed just a few hours after playing for his XFL team, the Sea Dragons.
XFL stands for “Xtreme Football League,” which was purchased by actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and RedBird Capital investment group in 2020.
The defensive end played 72 games in total in his 8 NFL seasons. He registered 54 solo tackles and 26 assisted tackles He played three seasons for the Jacksonville Jaguars, followed by a move to Cincinnati Bengals. After spending a season with them, Chris Smith was a part of the Cleveland Browns for two more seasons. Afterward, he spent one season each with Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans.
While he played high school football for the aforementioned West Rowan, Smith played his collegiate football at Arkansas. During his stay there from 2010 to 2013, Smith played 43 games in total and registered a total of 122 tackles. Despite having a prolific career in the college football circuit, he was unable to make his mark in the NFL.
Tributes pour in for Chris Smith after his untimely death
Chirs Smith seems to have made a lasting impact on his friends and teammates over the years. Recently, fans have seen quite a few tragedies in the NFL world. Famously, the legendary figure Franko Harris passed away on December 20, 2022. At the beginning of 2023, Buffalo Bills safety player Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest in the middle of a game. However, he made a full recovery after spending quite a few days in the hospital.
In February 2023, Stanley Wilson Jr, former Detroit Lions cornerback also passed away at the age of 40. Jessie Lemonier, who also played for Detriot Lions, passed away at the young age of 25. After the news of Chris Smith’s tragic passing, fans and players paid tribute to the former NFL player on Twitter. Amongst the players to pay tribute, was Chief David Njoku, who plays for The Cleveland Browns.
Here are some reactions to the news
Chris Smith only played eight games for the Raiders (2020) but made an impression. Great dude who overcome adversity and had a very positive spirit. He was 31. RIP. https://t.co/5WrTxAjh1N
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) April 18, 2023
RIP to former Razorback and NFL DE Chris Smith. Chris was still living his dream of playing football this season in the XFL with the Seattle Seadragons. This one hit hard. Prayers to the family of Chris. Gone way too soon 😢 pic.twitter.com/aqMuMENrQN
— Dylan (@turnerdyl) April 18, 2023
RIP Chris Smith. Poor guy, man never caught a break…. He’s in a better place now. #Browns pic.twitter.com/UXD9EJEQcK
— DonVega🥂 (@DonVega_) April 18, 2023
Chris Smith, Salisbury native and former Panthers player was found dead today.
— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) April 18, 2023
This is a very hard one to accept! RIP #42 Chris Smith He was only 31 years old! pic.twitter.com/9NLbJwUQ3y
— Laura (@RzrbkNurse) April 18, 2023
One of my favorite pictures with one of my favorite Hogs. Loved making that dude laugh. I’ll never forget your smile and I’ll never forget how hard you worked to make yourself better on and off the field.
— Mike Jocko Jacques (@jockosports) April 18, 2023
This one hurts. Rest In Peace Chris Smith. https://t.co/YYvdbMZVPz
Awful news about the passing of former Browns and Bengals (among others) DE Chris Smith. Chris was one of the nicest guys to ever come through the Browns locker room. https://t.co/EOnxIZQpZc
— Zac Jackson (@AkronJackson) April 18, 2023
Chris Smith had a smile that could light up any room he was in.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) April 18, 2023
This is heartbreaking. Thinking of his family, especially his children. https://t.co/LFO4YCwANb
Rest in paradise Chris Smith. Hometown hero and a brother to everyone. Such a kind soul. This is Heartbreaking
— Chief David Njoku (@David_Njoku80) April 18, 2023
Did you have a chance to see Chris Smith play in the NFL? If you have, what is his favorite performance? Let us know in the comments down below.
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