Former NFL defensive lineman and current XFL player Chris Smith has tragically passed away at the young age of 31. His alma mater, West Rowan High School, confirmed the news of his death on Tuesday (NBC News). Smith, who played eight seasons with multiple teams in the NFL, was widely known and respected within the football community (USA Today). Although the cause of his death is yet unknown, his tragic passing has left those who knew him in mourning (CNN).
Born and raised in the state of North Carolina, Smith was a defensive standout at West Rowan High School before going on to attend the University of Arkansas. He was later drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2014 and went on to play with multiple teams including the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers during his eight-year NFL career (Sports Illustrated).
In 2019, Smith’s life took a tragic turn when his girlfriend, Petara Cordero, was killed in a roadside accident just weeks after giving birth to their daughter. Smith was driving the vehicle at the time and understandably took an extended leave of absence from football to grieve and care for his daughter. Despite this tragedy, Smith was determined to continue playing the sport he loved and had recently signed with the XFL’s Seattle Dragons (The US Sun).
The news of Smith’s sudden death has shocked and saddened many within the NFL community, including his former agent Drew Rosenhaus, who released a statement expressing his condolences to Smith’s family and friends (MARCA). As tributes continue to pour in for the beloved athlete, his legacy will be remembered by those who knew him both on and off the field.
