Former NFL Player Chris Smith Dies at 31

North Carolina native Chris Smith, who played with a number of NFL teams over an eight-year career, has died at 31.

No cause of death has yet been announced, according to the New York Post.

The news of the player’s untimely death was reported in a tweet posted by his high school football team and by a local newspaper near his home in Rowan County, North Carolina.

Rest in Peace to a West Rowan Legend! Chris was a better person than he was player! The impact he had on those around him will be remembered forever! pic.twitter.com/9oVKyM4Gs2

— West Rowan Football (@WRowan_Football) April 18, 2023

Smith, a Salisbury native, graduated from West Rowan High School in 2010 and was a star defensive end on the high school’s football team.

By 2014, Smith was selected in the fifth round by the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he played his first three seasons in the NFL.

Starting in 2017, Smith spent a season or less with a number of teams before retiring. Those teams include the Bengals, Browns, Panthers, and several others. He also signed with the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons in March of this year.

Several NFL players took to Twitter to mourn the loss:

Love you bro. pic.twitter.com/0U0BsKQin1

— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) April 18, 2023

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

Rest in paradise Chris Smith. Hometown hero and a brother to everyone. Such a kind soul. This is Heartbreaking

— Chief David Njoku (@David_Njoku80) April 18, 2023

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