A Former NFL Defensive Lineman; Chris Smith Dies at Age of 31

The NFL Former Defensive End, Died at aged 31. RIP

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This image of Chris Smith is a video grab.

Sad news for football fans and especially fans of the Seattle Sea Dragons club. Chris Smith, a former NFL defensive end, passed away, according to his former agency on Tuesday. Smith was 31 years old. What a prime age he was at. His death’s cause is still unknown.

β€œRest in Peace Chris. Condolences to all his family, friends and loved ones. We will miss you.”

Tweet of Drew Rosenhaus

Last Sunday, when his Seattle Sea Dragons club upset the St. Louis Battlehawks 30-12 in St. Louis, Smith was a professional football player in the XFL.

β€œChris was a powerful presence in the locker room.” β€œLoved and admired by his teammates and the coaching staff. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family at this difficult time.”

The XFL said in a statement to CNN

Smith played for five different teams throughout his eight-year NFL career, which covered seven different franchises.

Smith’s former high school also announced his departure on its website. β€œRest in Peace to a West Rowan Legend!”

β€œChris was a better person than he was player! The impact he had on those around him will be remembered forever!”

Tweet of West Rowan Football Account

The Jacksonville Jaguars selected him in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draught. Smith later played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and most recently the Houston Texans in 2021.

According to NFL.com, he participated in 72 NFL games in all, recording 80 tackles and 11 sacks during that time.  

Many of Smith’s former colleagues paid tribute to the North Carolina native. And also tweeted generous words for the kind soul of Smith.

https://twitter.com/united_raiders/status/1648153093975216128?s=20

A look back at Chris Smith:

Chris Smith is a former NFL player who played as a defensive end. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2014 and played for them for three seasons before being traded to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017.

Smith also played briefly for the Cleveland Browns in 2018 and 2019.

Chris Smith was born on February 11, 1992, in Mount Ulla, North Carolina. He attended West Rowan High School and went on to play college football at the University of Arkansas.

During his college career, he amassed 21 sacks and was named to the All-SEC second team in 2013.

Smith was then selected in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played for four teams over six seasons, recording 8.5 sacks, 67 tackles, and three forced fumbles.

In 2019, Smith suffered a personal tragedy when his girlfriend, Petara Cordero, tragically passed away in a car accident in September 2019. They had just welcomed their first child together a few weeks prior.

The incident was a deeply emotional and traumatic experience for Smith and his family. He was eventually released by the Cleveland Browns in March 2020 and has not played in the NFL since.

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