In a shocking and heartbreaking development, former Arkansas Razorback team captain and defensive end Chris Smith has passed away. Chris Smith's death was first confirmed by his high school Twitter page @WRowan_Football. Chris Smith's death came as an utter shock for football fans as he was 31 years old. As soon as the death of Chris Smith was confirmed condolence messages started to pour in. Apart from that, people around the world started to wonder and search about Chris Smith's death reason or started to ask What happened to Chris Smith? Below is everything we know so far-
Who was Chris Smith?
Chris Smith, a University of Arkansas alumnus, played for the Bengals during the 2017 NFL season. He was taken in the fifth round (159th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The North Carolina native played in Jacksonville for three seasons before joining the Bengals via a trade. In return, the Jaguars got a conditional pick in the 2018 draft. While he was with the Razorbacks, he recorded 123 total tackles and 21.5 sacks. He was a second-team All-SEC selection in 2013. Smith was drafted in 2014 taken in the fifth-round by the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played eight seasons in the NFL which included stops at the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans.
Now, coming to the question on Chris Smith's death reason, or what happened to Chris Smith,- the answer has not been revealed yet. At this time, the details of his death have not been released.
Here's what Americans have to say on Chris Smith's demise
A user wrote, "RIP to former Razorback and NFL DE Chris Smith. Chris was still living his dream of playing football this season in the XFL with the Seattle Seadragons. This one hit hard. Prayers to the family of Chris. Gone way too soon"
RIP to former Razorback and NFL DE Chris Smith. Chris was still living his dream of playing football this season in the XFL with the Seattle Seadragons. This one hit hard. Prayers to the family of Chris. Gone way too soon 😢 pic.twitter.com/aqMuMENrQN
— Dylan (@turnerdyl) April 18, 2023
"Chris Smith only played eight games for the Raiders (2020) but made an impression. Great dude who overcome adversity and had a very positive spirit. He was 31. RIP." wrote another user.
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Chris Smith only played eight games for the Raiders (2020) but made an impression. Great dude who overcome adversity and had a very positive spirit. He was 31. RIP. https://t.co/5WrTxAjh1N
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) April 18, 2023
Another user wrote, "Hearing word from my local grapevine that former @Bengals defensive lineman, Chris Smith has passed away after a brief illness. Absolutely heartbreaking, especially with a young one who had already lost his mother"
Hearing word from my local grapevine that former @Bengals defensive lineman, Chris Smith has passed away after a brief illness. Absolutely heartbreaking, especially with a young one who had already lost his mother. 😪
— ThatEricFella (@soubuckeye) April 18, 2023
Prayers lifted up!