Za’Darius Smith’s sudden retirement from the Philadelphia Eagles just five games into last season was a total shocker, but the reason he just revealed is absolutely heartbreaking: he stepped away to be with his mother in her final days. This wasn’t some minor injury or contract dispute, it was profoundly personal, rooted in family and loss.
“I Was in a Dark Place”
Smith opened up this week about the incredibly tough time he went through. He got a call from his mother’s doctor during the season, delivering the devastating news that she didn’t have much longer. Just like that, his football career took a backseat. He retired immediately from the Eagles to be by her side. “I was in a dark place,” Smith said, and honestly, who wouldn’t be? After he retired, his mother passed away. He also shared the crushing news that his father and grandmother have also died in recent months. Talk about a brutal stretch off the field. He definitely didn’t want to walk away from the game, but he made it clear: “that was the only thing I had left to retire.” He let the Eagles know, and while they “wasn’t trying to let me leave,” he did what he had to do. He had only signed a one-year, $9 million deal with Philly two days before their season opener and put up 10 total tackles and 1.5 sacks in those five games.
Back in the Game, For Family
Now, after getting to a better place this offseason, Za’Darius Smith is back in the NFL, ready to tear it up again. He initially visited the Cleveland Browns after GM Andrew Berry called him, but the money just wasn’t right at the time. Then, the Falcons came calling, and he signed a one-year, $6 million deal to join Atlanta last week. This move feels destined, too, because Smith shared something powerful: “My mom, rest her soul, man, she always wanted me to be in Atlanta with the Falcons.” Think about that. He’s not just playing football; he’s playing for her. The Falcons could use that kind of passion, especially after losing Jalon Walker for the entire season to an ACL injury and with edge rusher James Pearce Jr. suspended for eight games. Smith’s veteran presence and pass-rushing skills, with 70.5 career sacks and 343 total tackles, are exactly what their defensive front needs.
Smith, now gearing up for his 12th season in the league, has been all over: drafted by the Ravens in 2015, then with the Packers, Browns, and Lions before his short Eagles stint. It’s been a horrific year for him away from the game, but he’s “happy to be back.” He called football his “happy place,” and man, are we stoked to see him back on the field. He’s ready to get it going, and you know he’s bringing that fire for his mom.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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