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Chris Smith, former Arkansas DE and captain, passes away at 31 as football community offers condolences
By Keith Farner
Published:
Chris Smith, a former Arkansas team captain who was a star-studded defensive end, has passed away, his agent announced. He was 31.
The news was first reported by his high school, West Rowan, and also by agent Drew Rosenhaus.
“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!”
“Rest in Peace Chris. Condolences to all his family, friends and loved ones. We will miss you.”
Smith made 123 total tackles and 21.5 sacks. He was a second-team All-SEC selection in 2013, per Pig Trail Nation.
Smith was a member of the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons this season, and previously spent 8 seasons in the NFL, and played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans. He finished with 11 career sacks.
Smith was drafted in 2014 taken in the fifth-round by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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
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
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
