Billy Ray Smith Jr., former Arkansas LB and member of College Football Hall of Fame, dies at age 64
By David Wasson
Published:
Billy Ray Smith Jr., a two-time unanimous All-American linebacker at Arkansas and College Football Hall of Famer who enjoyed a 10-year NFL career with the San Diego Chargers, has died. He was 64.
Smith’s death was announced by the Chargers in an X post Wednesday, and Smith’s family released a statement that said he “faced his long journey with dementia caused by CTE with unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength.”
Smith helped Plano Senior High School win a Texas Class 4A state championship before he embarked on an illustrious career at Arkansas, matching his father and Super Bowl champion Billy Ray Smith Sr. as a two-time unanimous All-American.
The Chargers selected Smith Jr. in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft with the No. 5 overall pick – the start of a 10-year playing career that earned him team most valuable player honors in 1987, team defensive player of the year honors in 1985 and 1986 and Second Team All-Pro honors in 1989.
Smith finished his NFL career with 26½ sacks, including a career-high 11 in 1986, 15 interceptions and 14 fumble recoveries. Smith earned induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000, and was voted by fans and Chargers Hall of Famers to the Chargers 50th Anniversary Team in 2009. After retirement, he went onto a prolific sports media career in San Diego.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
