Former NFL player, West Rowan football star Chris Smith dies at 31 | WCNC via YouTube

Former NFL defensive end Chris Smith was discovered dead on Monday, according to a statement released by his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. He was just 31 years of age at the time of his passing. At the time of this story, the cause of his remains unknown.

Chris Smith

Chris Smith via WCNC YouTube

“Rest in Peace Chris,” Rosenhaus wrote on Twitter. “Condolences to all his family, friends, and loved ones.
We will miss you.”

Smith was selected in the fifth round (159th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He spent time with seven different organizations during his eight years in The League, finishing with the Texans in 2021. He landed a spot in the XFL this season and had just played in a game for the Seattle Sea Dragons a few hours before his untimely passing.

Chris Smith XFL

Source: DrewJRosenhaus Twitter

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However, Chris Smith had already dealt with a major tragedy just a few years ago. He lost the mother of his child in a fatal and freakish automobile accident. On September 11, 2019, his girlfriend Petara Cordero was killed after being struck by a passing car after exiting Smith’s car, which had become disabled after hitting a median.

The couple had just had their daughter together a few weeks prior to Cordero’s death.

Smith’s sudden death was a shock to friends, family, and those around the NFL. It was said that he was a good teammate, and was respected in the communities where he played.

“Chris was one of the kindest players and people that I’ve ever met,” Browns All-Pro defensive end and former teammate Myles Garrett said. “He was willing to give you the shirt off his back for you. It’s hard just knowing people like that can go at any time.”

A former Arkansas Razorback, Chris Smith spent time as a member of the Jaguars, Bengals, Browns, Panthers, Raiders, Ravens, and Texans during his well-traveled tenure in the National Football League. His best season was in 2017 when he registered a career-high 26 tackles and three sacks.

The 6’1″, 265-pound Smith had just signed with the Seattle Sea Dragons on March 9.

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