Former NFL player Chris Smith died at the age of 31. His death was announced by his agent, Drew Rosenhaus on Tuesday, April 18. Rosenhaus tweeted a picture of Smith along with the caption:
“Rest in Peace Chris. Condolences to all his family, friends, and loved ones. We will miss you.”
Upon hearing the tragic news, several NFL players sent their condolences to Smith’s family. David Njoku, of the Cleveland Browns, posted:
“Rest in paradise, Chris Smith. Hometown hero and a brother to everyone. Such a kind soul. This is Heartbreaking”
The reason behind Smith’s death is still unknown.
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
Which team Chris Smith played for before his death?
The 31-year-old began his sports career in high school, where he played for his school team at West Rowan High School in Mount Ulla, North Carolina. He then went on to play for the Arkansas Razorbacks during his college years, and in 2013, he was a second-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) selection.
Rest in Peace Chris. Condolences to all his family, friends and loved ones. We will miss you pic.twitter.com/alpUAeqIhY
— Drew Rosenhaus (@DrewJRosenhaus) April 18, 2023
After college, Smith was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the NFL draft in 2014. After a few months on the practice squad, he was promoted to the active roster on October 20.
In 2017, Smith was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals. While playing for the team, Smith recorded a career-high of 26 tackles and three sacks. He later signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2018, signing a three-year contract with the team. The defensive end played in nine matches during his time with the Browns.
After Chris Smith’s contract with the Cleveland Browns ended, he moved to the Carolina Panthers. He signed a one-year contract with the team but was released on July 30, 2020. He then joined the Las Vegas Raiders in August 2020. Smith juggled between the bench and field throughout 2020 before being signed to the active roster in December 2020.
Tributes pour in from fans and fellow players
Twitter started filling with tributes for the player after the news of his death came to light. Smith’s old team member, Derek Carr shared a picture and wrote:
“Love you bro.”
Love you bro. pic.twitter.com/0U0BsKQin1
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) April 18, 2023
Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars shared a post dedicated towards the late player.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Browns DE Chris Smith.
Chris was one of the kindest people, teammates and friends we've had in our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/K8HySW4erM
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) April 18, 2023
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Chris Smith. pic.twitter.com/VKTiHSTwE7
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) April 18, 2023
Several fans also sent prayers to the player’s family on Twitter:
Omg Chris Smith lost his girlfriend in 2019 to a car accident and now he’s gone. So damn heartbreaking 🙏🏾🥺
— Jolie✨💎🪬 (@itsCJolie) April 19, 2023
No funny tho Chris Smith dying is crazy, that’s another baller dead at 30
— 🦈 (@isayFTW_) April 19, 2023
https://twitter.com/LIV4PIRATEJULES/status/1648573567687180289
Rest in piece Chris Smith I give my condolences to your family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/YenHKuu757
— Hawks Nest (@HawksNestnfl) April 19, 2023
https://twitter.com/____leslie93/status/1648541815434354688
The late football player is survived by his three children. Smith’s partner and mother to his third child, Petara Cordero died in a car accident in 2019.
You can also share any questions you have about Chris Smith. Until then, stay with us here at Spiel Times for more content.
Make sure you share, subscribe to our push notifications, and never miss an update from the world of video games, cinema, and sports. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @spieltimes for the latest updates.
Don’t forget to check out more of our original content from the list below:
Ohio boy dies from TikTok challenge | Disney World vs Florida governor | Missing IU student | Dairy farm fire in Texas | Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter sued | How did David Crosby die | Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn break up | Sarah Shahi controversy | Sheriff Billy Woods gun control rant | Jordan Cox’s human remains found | Tanner Cook’s practical joke gone wrong | Who was Tiffany Boyer | Clearest image of a Black Hole | Katrina Brownlee case | Lesley Swick Van Ness dies on vacation