SPORT Former NFL player and West Rowan football star Chris Smith has died at the age of 31.
Smith West He played in the NFL from 2014 until 2021 after he graduated from Rowan High School and the University of Arkansas.
CHARLOTTE, N.C.
— A former NFL player and standout defensive football player at West Rowan High School has passed away, according to his alma mater.
Chris Smith, 31, of Salisbury, North Carolina, has passed away, West Rowan Football announced on Twitter.
His cause of death has not been announced at this time.
Rest in Peace West Rowan Legend!
Chris was more than a player, he was a better person!
The impact he had on those around him will be remembered forever!
pic.twitter.com/9oVKyM4Gs2 — West Rowan Football (@WRowan_Football) April 18, 2023 Smith graduated from West Rowan High School in 2010 and was the team’s star defensive player.
He helped the West Rowan Falcons win the 2009 3A state championship and was recruited by the University of Arkansas out of high school.
Smith started all four years of college for the Razorbacks, and as a senior he was named to the Southeastern Conference’s second team in 2013.
Smith was subsequently selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Smith spent three seasons with the Jaguars, appearing in 19 games and recording 4.
5 sacks.
In 2017, Smith signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, appearing in all 16 games and recording three sacks.
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Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Chris sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler, 6, during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, November 26, 2017, in Cincinnati.
Smith, 94, celebrates.
(AP Photo/Frank Victors) Smith also spent time with the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans from 2018-2021.
He signed with the Carolina Panthers in 2020 but only joined the practice squad.
During his short time with the Panthers, Smith spoke with WCNC Charlotte and reflected on returning to the area where he grew up.
Smith also weighed in on efforts to promote hazard warning light safety after his girlfriend and mother of his child, Petara Cordero, was struck and killed by a car in September 2019.
told.
Smith’s time in the NFL ended after his 2021 season, but he wasn’t completely done with football yet.
Smith signed with the Seattle Sea Dragons of the XFL for the 2023 season, appearing in five games on defense.
