Former NFL defensive finish Chris Smith dies aged 31

Former NFL defensive lineman Chris Smith has died aged 31 as confirmed by his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and his XFL Seattle Sea Dragons group.

The circumstances surrounding the participant’s loss of life are but to be referred to as no additional particulars had been shared on Tuesday.

After finishing highschool, the Mount Ulla native performed for the College of Arkansas Razorbacks and was picked within the fifth spherical of the 2014 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

He went on to play a complete of eight seasons within the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and the Houston Texans in 2021.

He signed to the American minor league soccer group the XFL Seattle Sea Dragons in March.

Smith performed 5 video games with the Sea Dragons this yr, making 5 tackles.

Tributes pour in on social media amid tragic NFL loss

Smith’s alma mater, West Rowan Excessive Faculty in North Carolina, shared a tribute to the previous NFL participant on Twitter, writing: “Relaxation In Peace to a West Rowan Legend!”

“Chris was a greater particular person than he was participant! The affect he had on these round him will likely be remembered endlessly!” the assertion stated.

Cleveland Browns tight finish David Njoku tweeted: “Relaxation in paradise Chris Smith. Hometown hero and a brother to everybody. Such a form soul. That is Coronary heart-breaking.”

Buffalo Payments tight finish Shaq Lawson penned: “Man Prayers up for Chris Smith household.”

Former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr posted a photograph of Smith from their days taking part in collectively accompanied by the caption: “Love you bro.”