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A Tragic Loss for the Football World
Chris Smith, a former NFL defensive end and XFL player, died on April 17, 2023, at the age of 31. The cause of death is still unknown. Smith was a member of the Seattle Sea Dragons, a team in the revived XFL league that started in 2023. He played his last game a week before his death, helping his team win 30-12 over the St. Louis Battlehawks.
Smith’s death was announced by his high school alma mater, West Rowan High School in North Carolina, on Twitter. The school’s football team wrote, “Rest in Peace to a West Rowan Legend! Chris was a better person than he was a player! The impact he had on those around him will be remembered forever!”
Smith’s death was also confirmed by his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, who said, “He was a wonderful person, a great father and a terrific football player. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.”
A Remarkable Career Cut Short
Smith started his football career at West Rowan High School, where he was a standout player and helped his team win three state championships. He then played college football at Arkansas, where he earned All-SEC honors in 2012. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL draft.
Smith played eight seasons in the NFL, spending time with the Jaguars, the Cincinnati Bengals, the Cleveland Browns, and the Las Vegas Raiders. He recorded 67 tackles, 9.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles in his NFL career. He was known for his speed, strength, and work ethic on the field.
In 2023, Smith joined the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons, a new team in the rebooted league that aimed to provide an alternative to the NFL. Smith was one of the team’s leaders and a fan favorite. He played in five games for the Sea Dragons, registering 12 tackles and two sacks.
A Devoted Father Who Faced Tragedy
Smith was a proud father of three children, whom he loved dearly. He often posted pictures and videos of his kids on his Instagram account, where he had over 100,000 followers. He also shared his faith and gratitude for his life and family.
Smith’s life was not without tragedy, however. In September 2019, his girlfriend, Petara Cordero, who was the mother of his youngest daughter, Haven Harris Smith, was killed in a car accident in Cleveland. Smith and Cordero were standing on the side of the highway after Smith’s Lamborghini had a tire malfunction, when a passing car struck Cordero. She died at the scene, while Smith was unhurt.
Smith was devastated by the loss of his girlfriend, but he found strength in his faith and his children. He said in an interview with Sports Illustrated in 2020, “She didn’t feel any pain. It was like she died in her sleep. That’s what keeps me going every day.” He also said that he wanted to honor Cordero’s memory by being the best father he could be.
A Legacy of Giving Back
Smith was not only a talented football player, but also a generous and compassionate person. He was involved in various charitable causes and initiatives, especially in his hometown of Salisbury, N.C. He donated money and equipment to local schools and projects, and hosted football camps and clinics for young athletes. He also supported causes such as breast cancer awareness, anti-bullying, and mental health.
Smith’s legacy will live on through his family, friends, teammates, and fans, who will remember him as a kind, humble, and inspiring person. He will also be remembered as a fierce competitor and a passionate football player, who gave his all on every play. He was a true legend, both on and off the field.
