NFL player dies at 31 – .

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Chris Smith was a defensive end who played for NFL teams including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, and Cincinnati Bengals.

Chris Smith’s legacy

Smith played college football for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks after a notable high school career at West Rowan High School in North Carolina. He was selected by the Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft and remained with the team for three seasons. Smith was traded to the Bengals in 2017, where he played for a single season, perhaps the best of his career. He recorded 26 tackles, a career high, as well as three sacks. Smith went on to play for brief periods for the Browns, Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, and Houston Texans. His NFL career ended after the 2021 season with the Texans, but he signed with the Seattle Sea Dragons of the XFL in March 2023.

Tributes to Chris Smith

We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Browns DE Chris Smith.

Chris was one of the kindest people, teammates and friends we’ve had in our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/K8HySW4erM

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) April 18, 2023

Chris Smith only played eight games for the Raiders (2020) but made an impression. Great dude who overcome adversity and had a very positive spirit. He was 31. RIP. https://t.co/5WrTxAjh1N

— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) April 18, 2023

Just saw the news that former Razorback DE Chris Smith passed away at the age of 31. That’s just devastating. That guy was an amazing player on the field & an even more amazing guy off of it.

RIP Chris Smith, an all time great Razorback.

— John Nabors (@BuzzJohnNabors) 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

Hurting right now…RIP to my high school teammate Chris Smith…you made it to the top…was an honor to go to war with you on Friday nights and then to watch you play in the SEC and then in the league rest easy little bro…West Rowan Legend ✊🏿 pic.twitter.com/bByKoYC2Uc

— Malcolm Gaither (@coachgaither_28) April 18, 2023

Deeply saddened to hear about Chris Smith’s passing. He was not only a great leader, teammate, and monster of a player, but more so an amazing person. His smile and personality could light up a room. RIP 42.

— Brooks Ellis (@brooksellis51) April 18, 2023

Chris Smith will forever hold a special place in our hearts. He came over to see us after a Jags practice in 2014. He picked my son up and talked about how much he missed his daughter. We took several pics, but this is one of my favorites. Gonna miss your smile Chris. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/y10t8s2OcR

— Matt McCord (@mc_crew10) April 18, 2023

Full obituary: Salisbury Post

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Chris Smith’s legacy

Tributes to Chris Smith

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