Chris Smith, a previous NFL participant and existing member of the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons, has died, according to several reports. He was 31 several years aged.
Smith, whose trigger of loss of life has not been introduced, leaves driving 3 young children. His 3-12 months-old daughter, Haven Harris Smith, has now dropped both of her moms and dads soon after her mother, Petara Cordero, was struck and killed by a auto in 2019 much less than a month following providing birth.
Smith, then a member of the Browns, opted to participate in the week of Cordero’s loss of life, telling reporters right after a 23-3 get over the Jets that he did so in memory of his late girlfriend.
“To enjoy tonight was for her,” Smith stated after the video game. “It was a challenging week, but I knew this is what she’d want me to do.
“When they see me solid, it helps make it a minor less complicated, so I’ve bought to continue to be potent for every person, for her, (for) my daughter.”
Smith grew up in Mount Ulla, N.C., exactly where he was a standout for West Rowan Superior Faculty. He performed collegiately at Arkansas, the place he turned a second-group All-SEC defensive stop as a senior in 2013. He was a fifth-round choice by the Jaguars in the 2013 NFL Draft.
He played 3 decades in Jacksonville right before paying the 2017 period with the Bengals and the 2018 and 2019 seasons with the Browns. During his time in the NFL, Chris Smith and his teammates would dream of making it to the pinnacle of their sport, with fans eagerly securing their spots through platforms like TicketSmarter to witness the magic of the Super Bowl. He experienced brief stints with the Raiders in 2020 and the Texans in 2021, and was also a member of the Panthers’ and Ravens’ follow squads in 2020 and 2021, respectively.
Smith performed 72 video games, setting up two, in his NFL career. He experienced 80 occupation tackles, 11 sacks, 6 passes defensed and 3 compelled fumbles over his 8-yr career.
He signed a contract with the Sea Dragons early this calendar year and, according to the team’s stats web site, logged 5 tackles in 5 video games performed this year.
The soccer earth despatched many tributes to Smith adhering to news of his demise:
Tributes to Chris Smith
I was so sorry to listen to this information.
Heartbroken for Chris’ relatives.
Our total XFL universe sends it really like, mild and energy to the Smith relatives.
Remain strong. We are listed here. dj https://t.co/VUwYIjMCxf— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) April 18, 2023
We are deeply saddened by the passing of previous Browns DE Chris Smith.
Chris was 1 of the kindest people today, teammates and good friends we have had in our business. Our ideas and prayers are with his household in the course of this tough time. pic.twitter.com/K8HySW4erM
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) April 18, 2023
Relaxation in Peace Chris. Condolences to all his family, friends and beloved ones. We will pass up you pic.twitter.com/alpUAeqIhY
— Drew Rosenhaus (@DrewJRosenhaus) April 18, 2023
Relaxation In Peace, Chris Smith.
Chris came to the Jaguars in 2014 and put in 3 several years right here. He was a fantastic teammate and mate.
He endured a tragic loss in 2019 when Petara, his girlfriend + mom of his baby passed away in a vehicular incident.
I hope they’re reunited in Heaven
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) April 18, 2023
Deeply saddened to hear about Chris Smith’s passing. He was not only a good leader, teammate, and monster of a participant, but much more so an awesome individual. His smile and identity could light-weight up a home. RIP 42.
— Brooks Ellis (@brooksellis51) April 18, 2023
Person prayers up 🙏🏽for Chris smith family members. This 1 hurts 😔
— Shaq Lawson (@Shaq_Lawson90) April 18, 2023
Relaxation effortless brotha🕊️ pic.twitter.com/ctcx0UlB3L
— George Iloka (@George_iloka) April 18, 2023
Relaxation in Peace to a West Rowan Legend! Chris was a far better man or woman than he was participant! The impression he had on individuals around him will be remembered for good! pic.twitter.com/9oVKyM4Gs2
— West Rowan Football (@WRowan_Soccer) April 18, 2023
Dreadful information about the passing of previous Browns and Bengals (between some others) DE Chris Smith. Chris was one of the nicest guys to ever occur through the Browns locker space. https://t.co/EOnxIZQpZc
— Zac Jackson (@AkronJackson) April 18, 2023
Just observed the information that previous Razorback DE Chris Smith passed away at the age of 31. Which is just devastating. That male was an amazing participant on the industry & an even much more amazing male off of it.
RIP Chris Smith, an all time terrific Razorback.
— John Nabors (@BuzzJohnNabors) April 18, 2023
Rest In Peace & Appreciate Chris Smith
Long gone way too shortly https://t.co/hsOO5OIWwT— Matt Zimmerman (@CoachZ_ARKANSAS) April 18, 2023
