“Rest in Peace”: Former Jaguars Draft Pick Who Played Five Games in XFL Meets Unfortunate Tragedy at Just 31

It is another black day in the world of the NFL. The former defensive end of the league, Chris Smith, passed away at the age of 31. His death has left the NFL world in a state of shock. Chris Smith was drafted in the fifth round of the 2014 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He spent eight seasons in the NFL, playing for the Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and finally ending his pro career with the Houston Texans. 

Fans and well-wishes from all over the world poured in their heartfelt condolences on the sudden demise of the 31-year-old DE.

Tributes pour in for former Raiders player

The news of the death of Chris Smith was announced by West Rowan High School in North Carolina. While releasing the news, the cause of his death was not announced. His death has left the NFL world in a state of shock, as they have come together to mourn the loss of the defensive end.

Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku paid his respects to Smith in a tweet, stating him as a hometown hero and a kind soul.

The Athletic Senior writer Vic Tafur who covers the NFL and the Las Vegas Raiders paid his respects to Chris Smith as well, stating he made an impression with his short stint at Las Vegas

Former DT Roy Miller, who played nine seasons in the NFL, expressed his condolences on Chris Smith’s death as well

Chris Smith’s death comes right after playing for the Seattle Seadragons’ win against the St. Louis Battlehawks. He had lost his girlfriend, Petara Cordero, in 2019 in an accident that occurred while she was exiting his vehicle. She gave birth to their daughter just a few weeks before the devastating accident.

Chris Smith’s career in the NFL

Smith played in three seasons for the Jaguars before being traded to the Bengals. In his final year with the franchise before his trade, he had four tackles, one QB hit, and one sack in six games. He then played one season with the Bengals, where finished with a career-best number of 26 tackles, nine quarterback hits, and three sacks in 16 games. During his stint with the Carolina Panthers training squad in 2020, Smith talked with WCNC Charlotte about working towards promoting hazard light safety after the accident that killed his girlfriend.

After playing his last season with the Texans in the league, he felt that his footballing days were not over. He then went on to join the Seadragons in the XFL for the 2023 season. He played in a total of five games for the Dragons while making five tackles earlier this year.As the NFL world mourns the loss of Chris Smith, we send our deepest condolence to his family and friends in the midst of the loss of their loved one.

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