It is with great sadness that we report the passing of former NFL defensive end Chris Smith at the age of 31. Smith, who played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns during his six-year career, died on April 15th, 2021.
Smith was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and attended the University of Arkansas, where he was a standout defensive end for the Razorbacks. He was drafted by the Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft and went on to play for three teams during his career. He was known for his tenacity and athleticism on the field, and he was a leader in the locker room.
Smith’s death has been met with an outpouring of support from former teammates and coaches. Jaguars’ head coach Urban Meyer said, “Chris was a great teammate and a great person. He was always positive and had a great attitude. He will be missed by everyone in the Jaguars’ organization.” Bengals’ head coach Zac Taylor also expressed his condolences, saying, “Chris was a great player and an even better person. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”
Smith is survived by his wife, parents, and two children. His family has asked for privacy during this difficult time.
The cause of death has not yet been released, but Smith’s passing has left many in the NFL community in shock and mourning. Smith was beloved by his teammates and coaches, and his death is a tragic loss for the NFL. He will be remembered for his passion for the game and his commitment to his team.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Smith’s family and friends during this difficult time.
