(CNN) — Former NFL defensive finish Chris Smith has died, his former agent stated on Tuesday. Smith was 31. The reason for his dying just isn’t but identified.
Drew Rosenhaus of RSR Sports activities tweeted, “Relaxation in Peace Chris. Condolences to all his household, associates and family members. We’ll miss you.”
Smith’s highschool alma mater additionally posted about his passing. “Relaxation in Peace to a West Rowan Legend!,” West Rowan Soccer’s account wrote on Twitter. “Chris was a greater particular person than he was participant! The affect he had on these round him shall be remembered without end!”
Smith performed within the XFL, knowledgeable soccer league, as lately as Sunday when his Seattle Sea Dragons staff defeated the St. Louis Battlehawks 30-12 in St. Louis.
“Chris was a strong presence within the locker room,” the XFL stated in a press release to CNN. “Cherished and admired by his teammates and the teaching workers. Our ideas and prayers exit to his total household at this tough time.”
Smith’s NFL profession spanned eight seasons and 7 franchises, enjoying for 5 of the groups.
He was drafted within the fifth spherical in 2014 by the Jacksonville Jaguars, earlier than occurring to compete for the Cincinnati Bengals, the Cleveland Browns, the Las Vegas Raiders and most lately the Houston Texans in 2021.
In whole he performed in 72 NFL video games, racking up 80 tackles and 11 sacks in these video games, in response to NFL.com.
The Browns tweeted their condolences on Tuesday. “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of former Browns DE Chris Smith,” the message reads.
“Chris was one of many kindest individuals, teammates and associates we’ve had in our group. Our ideas and prayers are along with his household throughout this tough time.”
A number of of Smith’s former teammates shared tributes to the North Carolina native.
“Relaxation in paradise Chris Smith,” wrote Browns tight finish David Njoku on Twitter. “Hometown hero and a brother to everybody. Such a sort soul. That is Heartbreaking.”
Derek Carr, who was quarterback of the Raiders throughout Smith’s time there, tweeted: “Love you bro” alongside an image of he and Smith celebrating.
Roy Miller III, an NFL defensive deal with who performed with Smith in Jacksonville, wrote: “My brother I used to be simply considering how proud I used to be of you chasing your goals within the XFL you made an entire room chortle once you laughed you all the time discovered a strategy to make any state of affairs optimistic RIH Smitty.”
In 2013, Smith was named to the All-SEC Second Workforce for his performances with the College of Arkansas Razorbacks.
(Copyright (c) 2022 CNN. All Rights Reserved. This materials will not be printed, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)