Za’Darius Smith retires from NFL due to family illness
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 2:58 AM
Last updated Aug 27, 2026
Za’Darius Smith, former Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher, announced his retirement midway through his 11th NFL season. His decision came after receiving news from his mother’s doctor about her terminal illness. Despite his productive career, including 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks in five games this season, family priorities led to his departure from the Eagles. Smith later signed a one-year deal worth $6 million with the Atlanta Falcons on August 18, 2026, expressing joy in returning to the field after grappling with personal losses. He aims to join the 100-sack club, having left the league with 70.5 sacks and 223 tackles.
- •Smith played five games with the Eagles, recording 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
- •He announced his retirement following his mother's terminal diagnosis.
- •Smith later signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Falcons.
- •He aims to reach the 100-sack milestone in his career.
- 2:58 AMYahoo Sports — Ex-Ravens Star Reveals Personal Tragedy Behind Retirement Decision
- 2:46 AMYahoo Sports — Ex-Eagles Edge Rusher Reveals Personal Tragedy Behind Retirement Decision
- 1:23 AMYahoo Sports — “I Was in a Dark Place”: Ex-Eagles Player Za’Darius Smith Reveals Heartbreaking Reason Behind Abrupt Retirement
"Za’Darius Smith was midway through his 11th NFL season when he abruptly decided to hang up his cleats. A sudden phone call that delivered an extremely tough news forced the veteran edge rusher to make the difficult call of stepping away from the field.
"Former Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Za'Darius Smith revealed the truth behind his shocking retirement in 2025. The post Ex-Eagles Edge Rusher Reveals Personal Tragedy Behind Retirement Decision appeared first on HEAVY.
"Ex-Ravens star Za'Darius Smith revealed the personal tragedy behind his shocking 2025 retirement. The post Ex-Ravens Star Reveals Personal Tragedy Behind Retirement Decision appeared first on HEAVY.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 27, 2026, 2:58 AMEx-Ravens Star Reveals Personal Tragedy Behind Retirement Decision
Ex-Ravens star Za'Darius Smith revealed the personal tragedy behind his shocking 2025 retirement. The post Ex-Ravens Star Reveals Personal Tragedy Behind Retirement Decision appeared first on HEAVY.
- Yahoo SportsAug 27, 2026, 2:46 AMEx-Eagles Edge Rusher Reveals Personal Tragedy Behind Retirement Decision
Former Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Za'Darius Smith revealed the truth behind his shocking retirement in 2025. The post Ex-Eagles Edge Rusher Reveals Personal Tragedy Behind Retirement Decision appeared first on HEAVY.
- Yahoo SportsAug 27, 2026, 1:23 AM“I Was in a Dark Place”: Ex-Eagles Player Za’Darius Smith Reveals Heartbreaking Reason Behind Abrupt Retirement
Za’Darius Smith was midway through his 11th NFL season when he abruptly decided to hang up his cleats. A sudden phone call that delivered an extremely tough news forced the veteran edge rusher to make the difficult call of stepping away from the field.
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