Chris Smith, a native of Salisbury, North Carolina who spent eight seasons in the NFL, was a dominant defensive end for several different teams. Chris spent his whole career in the NFL, which ended in 2021, with several different clubs, including the Cincinnati Bengals, the Cleveland Browns, and the Las Vegas Raiders.

Chris joined the Seattle Sea Dragons of the XFL in 2023. Chris’s untimely death at age 31 was announced in April of 2023. When did Chris Smith pass away, and why? What we know is detailed below.

Who is Chris Smith?

Chris Smith was an exceptional defensive end for the National Football League (NFL) for a total of eight seasons. He was born in the United States on February 11, 1992. Chris Smith played college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks while he was enrolled at the University of Arkansas. He was a standout defensive lineman and team leader for the Razorbacks throughout his tenure there from 2010 to 2013.

Chris Smith was picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2014 NFL Draft’s fifth round. He spent three years with Jacksonville before being dealt to the Bengals in 2017. After two years with the Bengals, Smith signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2019 and spent the final three seasons of his NFL career there.

Chris Smith’s untimely death occurred on April 17, 2023, when he was only 31 years old. His passing was deeply felt by his former colleagues, coaches, and fans in the NFL. Those who knew Chris Smith will always remember him as a gifted athlete and a respected member of the football community.

What happened to Chris Smith?

On Tuesday, Chris Smith’s former agent confirmed the NFL defensive end’s passing. Smith’s age was 31 at the time. No one knows what killed him just yet.

On Twitter, RSR Sports’ Drew Rosenhaus wrote, “Rest in Peace Chris. Our deepest sympathies go out to his loved ones and friends. Sorry to see you go.

The high school Smith attended also shared the news of his death. West Rowan Football tweeted, “Rest in Peace to a West Rowan Legend!” Chris was more of a gentleman than a professional athlete. Those he touched will never forget him, and neither will we.
On Sunday, Smith and his Seattle Sea Dragons squad won 30-12 in St. Louis against the St. Louis Battlehawks of the XFL, a professional football league.

The XFL claimed in a statement to CNN that “Chris was a powerful presence in the locker room.” His teammates and coaches have nothing but praise for him. All of his loved ones are in our prayers at this time.

Smith played in the NFL for eight seasons with seven different teams. Chris’s death has been mysterious up to this point. Chris appeared happy right up until the moment he passed away. CBS stated that the sportsman had just one week before his death played a game with the Seattle Sea Dragons.

Chris, however, had not been very social media savvy in the months preceding his untimely demise. On March 30, 2023, the athlete made his final Instagram post.

Chris Smith’s Professional Life

Chris Smith was a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) for three different teams throughout eight seasons.

The Jacksonville Jaguars picked him up in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, and he spent three years (2014–2016) with them. Smith played in 19 games for the Jaguars and has 4 sacks during his tenure there.

Smith was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017 and spent the next two years with the team. He started in 31 games for the Bengals and finished with 7.5 sacks.

Smith spent the final three seasons of his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns after signing with them in 2019. He played in 35 games for the Browns and has three sacks during his stint there.

Chris Smith was an outstanding athlete who was consistently impressed with his quickness, dexterity, and determination. He will be remembered fondly by both NFL fans and his fellow players for his time on the field.

Conclusion