Former NFL, Arkansas defensive end Chris Smith dead at 31

Former Arkansas Razorbacks defensive lineman Chris Smith passed away at the age of 31 this week, according to multiple reports. The cause of death has not been revealed yet but tributes have begun pouring in for the former Jacksonville Jaguars draft pick.

West Rowan High School Football in Mt. Ulla, North Carolina posted about their alumni’s passing on Facebook on Wednesday with the message: “R.I.P. Falcons Forever!”

Chris Gragg, a former teammate of Smith who is now coaching in the state of Arkansas, tweeted about Smith’s death on Monday night.

Life is too short…RIP to my brother C. Smith @98ChrisSmith This hurts.

— Chris Gragg (@Gragg80) April 18, 2023

David Njoku also tweeted in Smith’s memory on Monday: “Rest in paradise Chris Smith. Hometown hero and a brother to everyone. Such a kind soul. This is Heartbreaking.”

Smith was most recently with the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons. His last signings in the NFL were with the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens but he played for seven teams during his eight seasons in the league. According to Spotrac, over eight seasons, the edge rusher made roughly $11.7 million. The biggest deal that he signed in his career was for three years with the Cleveland Browns for $12 million.

The former Arkansas Razorback had played in four games with the Seattle XFL team, making five tackles earlier this year.

Smith was the No. 159 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Arkansas. As a senior for the Razorbacks and a team leader, he posted 37 tackles and 8.5 sacks in 12 games. He earned All-SEC second-team honors.

In 2019, Smith went through the tragic loss of his girlfriend Petara Cordero. After getting in a car accident, Cordero exited the vehicle but was struck by another driver. She and Smith had one child together at the time of her passing. The former Arkansas star leaves behind two additional children.