Former NFL defensive lineman Chris Smith has died at the young age of 31, his representative confirmed on Tuesday. Smith’s alma mater, West Rowan High School in North Carolina, shared a tribute announcing his death on Monday on Twitter. “Chris was a better person than he was a player! The impact he had on those around him will be remembered forever!” the statement read. Smith played a total of eight seasons in the NFL, with the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and the Houston Texans in 2021. He signed with the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons in March and played five games with them this year.
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Introduction
The death of former NFL defensive end Chris Smith has come as a shock to fans of American football all around the world. As of the time of writing, there has been no information released regarding the cause of his death. The 31-year-old football player had an impressive career, playing for several teams in the NFL, and he was still active in the sport, having recently signed with the Seattle Sea Dragons in March. In this article, we take a closer look at Chris Smith’s life and legacy.
Chris Smith’s Life and Career
Chris Smith was born and raised in Mount Ulla, North Carolina. He was a standout high school football player and continued to play at the college level, joining the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. Smith was picked in the fifth round of the 2014 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he began his NFL career.
Over the course of his eight-year career, Smith played for several teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and the Houston Texans. He was primarily used as a defensive end and was known for his speed and agility on the field.
Despite his talent as a football player, Smith was also remembered for his kindness and generosity off the field. He was widely respected by his teammates, coaches, and fans for his positive attitude and his willingness to help others.
Tributes and Reactions
News of Chris Smith’s death has been met with an outpouring of grief and tributes on social media. Many of his former teammates and colleagues have taken to Twitter to express their condolences and share their memories of the late football player.
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku tweeted: “Rest in paradise Chris Smith. Hometown hero and a brother to everyone. Such a kind soul. This is Heartbreaking.” Buffalo Bills tight end Shaq Lawson wrote: “Man Prayers up for Chris Smith family.” Former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr shared a photo of Smith from their days playing together with the caption: “Love you bro.”
Sports journalist Mike “Jocko” Jacques tweeted: “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.” The Charlotte Observer sports writer Mike Kaye tweeted that Smith “had a smile that could light up any room he was in.”
Smith’s impact on the people around him was clearly evident in the tributes and reactions that poured in after his death. He was remembered not just as a talented athlete, but also as a kind and generous person who touched the lives of many.
FAQs
Q: How long did Chris Smith play in the NFL?
A: Chris Smith played a total of eight seasons in the NFL, from 2014 to 2021.
Q: Which teams did Chris Smith play for?
A: Smith played for several teams during his NFL career, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and the Houston Texans.
Q: What was Chris Smith’s position in the NFL?
Chris Smith was a former NFL defensive end. He played for multiple teams during his eight seasons in the league, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and Houston Texans. In March of 2023, Smith signed with the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons, an American minor league football team, but tragically passed away later that year at the young age of 31.
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