Chris Smith who spent a total of 8 years in the NFL has left for the heavenly abode. The NFL player who was a former defensive lineman for the American football team Cleveland Browns passed away at the age of 31.
The unfortunate news of the athlete’s death was confirmed by his agent Drew Rosenhaus on the micro-blogging site Twitter. Continue reading further to find out the cause behind the demise of Chris Smith.
NFL player Chris Smith dies at 31
Rest in Peace Chris. Condolences to all his family, friends and loved ones. We will miss you pic.twitter.com/alpUAeqIhY
— Drew Rosenhaus (@DrewJRosenhaus) April 18, 2023
Here’s all you need to know about Chris Smith (including his early life, NFL career, and more)
Chris Smith was a former NFL defensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns who was born on February 11, 1992, in Salisbury, North Carolina, U.S. Back in the day, he went to West Rowan High School in Mount Ulla, North Carolina. He was the star of his North Carolina high school football team.
Smith started his NFL career in the year 2014. At that time, he was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. In 2017, he joined Cincinnati Bengals.
Next year, Chris signed a three-year contract with the Cleveland Browns. Throughout his NFL career, he also played for several football teams like the Carolina Panthers, the Las Vegas Raiders, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Houston Texans. Earlier this year, in March, he inked a deal with Seattle Sea Dragons of the XFL.
When we talk about Smith’s personal life, it was marred by tragedy. In the year 2019, he lost his girlfriend Petara Cordero in a car accident just a couple of weeks after the pair welcomed a daughter together.
Tributes pour in for the former NFL player Chris Smith
The Cleveland Browns paid a heartfelt tribute to Smith on Twitter. They wrote, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Browns DE Chris Smith. Chris was one of the kindest people, teammates and friends we’ve had in our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Browns DE Chris Smith.
Chris was one of the kindest people, teammates and friends we've had in our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/K8HySW4erM
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) April 18, 2023
Tony Khan, son of Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan used his Twitter page to offer his condolences. He wrote, “Rest In Peace, Chris Smith. Chris came to the Jaguars in 2014 and spent 3 years here. He was a great teammate and friend. He suffered a tragic loss in 2019 when Petara, his girlfriend + mother of his child passed away in a vehicular accident. I hope they’re reunited in Heaven.”
Rest In Peace, Chris Smith.
Chris came to the Jaguars in 2014 and spent 3 years here. He was a great teammate and friend.
He suffered a tragic loss in 2019 when Petara, his girlfriend + mother of his child passed away in a vehicular accident.
I hope they're reunited in Heaven
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) April 18, 2023
We send our deepest condolences to the close friends and entire family of Chris Smith during this time of difficulty. May his soul rest in peace. Don’t forget to stay tuned with us for more latest updates from showbiz.
