Za'Darius Smith discusses emotional return to NFL with Falcons
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 10:45 AM
Last updated Aug 28, 2026
Za'Darius Smith, a former defensive end for the Detroit Lions, returned to the NFL by signing with the Atlanta Falcons. Smith retired last season after learning of his mother's terminal illness and subsequently lost his grandmother and father. He expressed his emotional journey back to football, emphasizing his mother's wish for him to play for the Falcons. Smith aims to achieve 100 career sacks during this season, having recorded 70.5 sacks over his previous 11 NFL seasons.
- •Smith retired last season after just five games with the Eagles.
- •He signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Falcons.
- •Smith aims to reach 100 career sacks this season.
- •He experienced the loss of multiple family members recently.
- •Smith will provide veteran depth after injuries to Falcons' edge rushers.
- 10:45 AMYahoo Sports — Former Lions DE Za'Darius Smith details heartfelt NFL return with Falcons
"Former Detroit Lions DE Za'Darius Smith detailed his emotional journey back to the game of football with the Atlanta Falcons.
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