The NFL world woke up to the devastating news about the passing of Chris Smith. A former NFL player and father, the news of his demise has been nothing less than shocking. As such, let us take a deeper look into Smith’s life.
Previously, Smith went through a deeply traumatic time himself in 2019. In September of that year, Smith lost his longtime girlfriend Petara Cordero. As it turns out, Smith and Cordero encountered a flat tire on Interstate 90 in Cleveland. Whilst they were waiting for repairs, an intoxicated 47-year-old woman struck her 2017 Mazda 3 into Cordero and the passenger side of Smith’s Lamborghini. Unfortunately, Cordero, 26 was pronounced dead on arrival at Fairview Hospital.
The unfortunate accident came about just 4 weeks after the birth of their daughter, Haven Harris Smith. As such, Chris and Petara were parents to three children and were due to tie the knot in 2020. Currently, it is unknown whether Chris was dating someone else. However, his ex-girlfriend B. Simone also responded to the news, sending out a heartfelt message on her Instagram story.
“One of the only things in life that is promised, is death. Love on people when they are physically here, and if you truly love them, cover them in prayer”. Further, she added, “God is a God of no mistakes even when you are grieving or hurt, Trust him, He won’t fail you”.
Previously, Chris Smith and Simone dated for a short while before breaking up in 2021. Despite their split seemingly not being an amicable one, Simone put out a couple of messages in reference to the man she once claimed was ‘the love of her life’.
Chris Smith’s NFL contract
During the time of his death, Chris Smith was reportedly playing for the Seattle Sea Dragons in the XFL. For those unaware, the XFL, or “Xtreme Football League,” was purchased by actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and RedBird Capital investment group in 2020. The 31-year-old’s move to the XFL was seen as him trying to resurrect his career in football.
Prior to his move to the XFL, Smith played for numerous teams in the NFL. Notably, Smith started off playing with the high school team West Rowan before continuing college football at Arkansas. Following that, Chris was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL draft.
Moreover, Smith also had spells with the Cincinnati Bengals, Las Vegas Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, and the Baltimore Ravens. Most recently, Chris’ last appearance in the NFL was with the Houston Texans in 2021, before signing for XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons in March.
According to sources, Smith’s Net Worth was approximately $6-8 million around the time of his untimely demise. In his rookie contract, Chris earned $2.4 million in a deal from 2014 to 2017. However, in his second contract, Smith earned $12 million over three years with $4.5 million guaranteed.
Then, in 2020, Chris Smith had to settle for a much smaller deal with the Carolina Panthers at $1.4 million. Next, his deal with Las Vegas Raiders was worth $910,000. Further, his next contract with the Baltimore Ravens in 2021 was worth $252,000.
Then again in 2021, he was handed a $42,000 practice squad contract with the Houston Texans. The defensive end spent 2022 as a free agent before joining up with the XFL’s Sea Dragons in 2023.