NFL world rocked by tragic death of Chris Smith at 31: 'Heartbreaking'

The world of American football has been left devastated by the news that former NFL star Chris Smith has died at the age of 31. A former NFL defensive end, Smith played for five different teams over eight seasons during an NFL career that was touched by tragedy.

Smith's death comes just eight days after played in an XFL game for the Seattle Sea Dragons, the team he signed for on March 9. The cause of death was not immediately known.

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The defensive end previously spent eight seasons in the NFL with Jacksonville, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Las Vegas and Houston. Smith's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and the Browns confirmed his passing on Tuesday.

“Rest in Peace Chris,” Rosenhaus wrote on Twitter. “Condolences to all his family, friends and loved ones. We will miss you.” His current and former teams were quick to express their shock and sadness over his tragic death.

Smith's career was marked by tragedy while he was playing for Cleveland in 2019, with his girlfriend, Petara Cordero, killed when she was hit by a car after exiting the vehicle he was driving. Cordero was standing on the road’s shoulder when a vehicle driven by a 47-year-old woman smashed into the passenger side of Smith’s car. Smith and Cordero had a daughter named Haven together before the fatal car accident.

After playing at Arkansas, Smith was drafted by the Jaguars in the fifth round in 2014. He finished with 11 career sacks in 72 games.

“Chris was one of the kindest players and people that I’ve ever met,” Browns All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett said. “He was willing to give you the shirt off his back for you. It’s hard just knowing people like that can go at any time."

Former Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield also expressed his sympathy for Smith. “To know him was to love him,” Mayfield posted on Twitter along with a photo of Smith leading a huddle of Browns.

“Heaven got a good one. We’ll never forget you and we’ll always miss you. RIP Chris.”

News of Smith's death prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media for the 31-year-old star. Many described him as a kind soul, with a bubbly personality who was loved by his teammates.

with agencies