The former NFL defensive tight end, Chris Smith, passed away on April 17, 2023. The former Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns player died suddenly after an XFL league game. His passing was confirmed by the former high school he attended. West Rowan, based in North Carolina, paid tribute to its alumni. When fans heard about the untimely death of the 31-year-old, they were taken aback.
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Smith’s death shook the football world to its core. That is because the player played for many teams. His football career started at the University of Arkansas. Then he was selected as the fifth-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars. With them, he played for three years and was then traded to the Bengals. After playing with Cincy for a year, he moved to division rivals the Cleveland Browns and played with them for two seasons.
Rest in Peace to a West Rowan Legend! Chris was a better person than he was player! The impact he had on those around him will be remembered forever! pic.twitter.com/9oVKyM4Gs2
— West Rowan Football (@WRowan_Football) April 18, 2023
In 2020, he was part of both the practice squads of the Carolina Panthers and the Las Vegas Raiders. He moved to the Ravens in 2021 and then to the Houston Texans in the same season. Smith did not play in the NFL in 2021 as Smith was trying to revive his career in the XFL. This season, he was a member of the Seattle Sea Dragons.
Fans are worried about Chris Smith’s family
Fans were concerned about Smith’s three children after his untimely demise. After hearing the news, they paid their tributes and showed their concern for his family on Twitter.
God that’s terrible, his kid is all alone now
— ₮ⱧɆ ฿Ø₦Ɇ ₭ł₦₲ (@MVPSpida) April 18, 2023
Prayers to his family. This is happening way too often
— Bryan (@StoryoftheYR2) April 18, 2023
https://twitter.com/alexand53644701/status/1648326887444213763?s=20
Rest in peace. Sending good vibes to the family
— ashapae:) (@ussopneedsconq) April 18, 2023
Hope he got reunited with his girlfriend RIP 🙏
— Mojix (@Mojixzen) April 18, 2023
Smith’s ex-girlfriend, who was also the mother of his one child, was k*lled in an accident
Petara Cordero, the former late girlfriend of Smith, was k*lled in a car accident on a Cleveland highway in September 2019. As per a statement released by the Browns, Smith’s 2019 Lamborghini had a tire malfunction and spun into the median.
Smith, who drove the car, and Cordero, sitting in the passenger seat, exited the vehicle without significant injuries. However, his 26-year-old girlfriend was then struck by an oncoming vehicle. The car hit and k*lled Cordero, who had given birth to the athlete’s child a month ago. Smith was not impaired, nor was he injured, per the police.
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They two had a daughter together during his time with the Browns.
