by Former NFL defensive lineman and current XFL player Chris Smith has died in 31, authorities said Tuesday.
The cause or time of Smith’s death was not immediately shared.
“Chris was a powerful presence in the locker room. Loved and admired by his teammates and the coaching staff,” according to an XFL statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family at this difficult time.”
Smith’s alma mater, West Rowan High School in North Carolina, shared a tribute announcing his death on Monday. Twitterwriting: “Rest in peace to a West Rowan legend!”
“Chris was a better person than player! The impact he had on those around him will be remembered forever!” the statement said.
After high school, the Mount Ulla native played for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks and was drafted into the fifth round of the draft 2014 by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
He went on to play a total of eight NFL seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, cleveland browns, las vegas raidersand the houston texans in 2021.
signed with the Seattle Sea Dragons of the XFL in March.
Smith played five games with the sea dragonsmaking five tackles.
“The entire XFL family mourns the loss of Chris Smith, a beloved player and member of the Seattle Sea Dragons,” said the the team said in a statement Tuesday in the afternoon.
Tributes poured in on social media in memory of Smith.
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku tweeted:: “Rest in paradise Chris Smith. Local hero and brother to all. Such a kind soul. This is heartbreaking.”
Buffalo Bills tight end Shaq Lawson wrote: “Pray for Chris Smith’s family.”
Former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr shared a photo of Smith from their days playing together with the caption: “Love you bro.”
Sportswriter Mike “Jocko” Jacques tweeted:: “I loved making that guy laugh. I will never forget your smile and I will never forget how hard you worked to improve on and off the field.”
Charlotte Observer sports writer Mike Kaye tweeted that Smith “had a smile that could light up any room he was in.”
“Horrible news about the passing of former Browns and Bengals manager (among others) Chris Smith. Chris was one of the nicest guys to ever walk through the Browns locker room,” reporter Zac Jackson. tweeted.
Smith’s passing comes three years after his girlfriend Petara Cordero, with whom he shares a daughter, died in September 2019 when she was struck by a car.
After her death, Smith, who later signed with the Cleveland Browns, shared a moving tribute on Instagram, writing: “God has a plan for all of us that we can’t understand but she’s in a better place now and can rest easy. My wife, my best friend and the mother of my beautiful daughter. I love you darling.”
