Former NFL defensive end Chris Smith, who played for eight seasons in the league and recently joined the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons, died on Monday, April 17, 2023, at the age of 31. His cause of death is still unknown and under investigation. Smith’s death shocked and saddened his former teammates, coaches, fans, and family, who remembered him as a talented player, a loving father, and a kind person.
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A Promising Career Cut Short
Smith was born in Salisbury, North Carolina, and attended West Rowan High School, where he excelled in football and basketball. He was named the North Carolina Defensive Player of the Year in 2008 and helped his team win three consecutive state championships. He then went on to play for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks, where he recorded 21.5 sacks and 30.5 tackles for loss in his four-year career.
Smith was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL draft. He played for the Jaguars for three seasons, then signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017. He also had stints with the Cleveland Browns, the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Houston Texans in 2021. He amassed 67 tackles, 9.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and four pass deflections in his NFL career.
In March 2023, Smith signed with the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons, a new professional football league that aimed to provide an alternative to the NFL. He played five games with the Sea Dragons, making five tackles. He was one of the leaders on the field and a friend to all he played with.
A Devastating Loss for His Family
Smith was a proud father of three children: Haven Harris Smith, Chris Smith Jr., and Camila Smith. He loved spending time with his kids and often posted pictures and videos of them on his Instagram account. He also had a large and supportive family that included his parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Smith’s family had already endured a tragedy in September 2019, when his girlfriend and the mother of one of his children, Petara Cordero, was killed in a car accident. Cordero was struck by a passing car after exiting Smith’s car, which had become disabled after hitting a median on a highway in Cleveland. She was only 26 years old and had given birth to their daughter Haven four weeks earlier.
Smith was devastated by Cordero’s death and wrote a touching tribute to her on Instagram: “God has a plan for all of us we can’t understand but she is in a better place now and she can rest easy.” He also vowed to be strong for their daughter and to honor Cordero’s memory.
A Beloved Figure in the Football Community
Smith’s death sparked an outpouring of grief and condolences from his former colleagues and friends in the football world. Many of them praised his character, work ethic, smile, and positive attitude. They also expressed their sympathy for his family and children.
Some of the tributes came from:
- The XFL: “The entire XFL family mourns the loss of Chris Smith, a cherished player and member of the Seattle Sea Dragons.”
- The Seattle Sea Dragons: “Chris was a powerful presence in the locker room. Loved and admired by his teammates and the coaching staff.”
- The Cleveland Browns: “We are heartbroken to learn that former Browns defensive end Chris Smith passed away last night. Our thoughts go out to his family during this difficult time.”
- The Cincinnati Bengals: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Bengals defensive end Chris Smith. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this time.”
- The Las Vegas Raiders: “The Raiders Family is saddened by the passing of former defensive end Chris Smith. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.”
- The Houston Texans: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Texans defensive end Chris Smith. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.”
- The Jacksonville Jaguars: “We are saddened to hear of Chris Smith’s passing. He was a valued member of our organization for three seasons (2014-16) who made an impact both on and off the field.”
- The Arkansas Razorbacks: “We are deeply saddened by the news of Chris Smith’s passing. He was an outstanding player and person who represented our program with pride.”
- West Rowan High School: “Rest In Peace to a West Rowan Legend! Chris was a better person than he was player! The impact he had on those around him will be remembered forever!”
Some individual players who paid tribute to Smith included:
- David Njoku, Browns tight end: “Rest in paradise Chris Smith. Hometown hero and a brother to everyone. Such a kind soul. This is Heartbreaking.”
- Shaq Lawson, Bills tight end: “Man Prayers up for Chris Smith family.”
- Derek Carr, Raiders quarterback: “Love you bro.”
- Geno Atkins, Bengals defensive tackle: “Rest easy my brother. You will be missed.”
- Calais Campbell, Jaguars defensive end: “RIP Chris Smith. You were a great teammate and a great person. Praying for your family.”
Smith’s death is a tragic loss for the football world and for everyone who knew him. He will be remembered as a talented player, a loving father, and a kind person. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, perseverance, and positivity. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, fans, and teammates.
