Za’Darius Smith explains emotional return to NFL with Falcons

Za’Darius Smith addressed his return to the NFL at a press conference on August 27 after signing a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. The defensive end, who unretired just over a week ago, shared that his decision to step away last year stemmed from personal tragedies, including the loss of his mother, grandmother, and father. Initially signing with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025, Smith left the team five games into the season without public explanation. Following a call from Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry prompting him to consider returning to football, Smith joined the Falcons, fulfilling a personal connection as his late mother wished for him to play in Atlanta. The Falcons are set to close preseason play against the Miami Dolphins on August 28.

• 3:14 PMYahoo Sports — Falcons DE Za’Darius Smith shares emotional update on why he unretired this month