On Monday, April 25th, the news that former NFL player Chris Smith had passed away at the age of 31 stunned the sports world. Smith, who played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Carolina Panthers, made an indelible mark on the football community and will be remembered as a gifted player and cherished colleague.
His former team, the Cleveland Browns, released a statement expressing their condolences to Smith’s family and colleagues upon learning of his passing. The statement read, “We are profoundly saddened by the passing of Chris Smith. During this difficult time, our thoughts and condolences are with his family and loved ones.”
On Monday, April 25th, the news that former NFL player Chris Smith had passed away at the age of 31 stunned the sports world. Smith, who played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Carolina Panthers, made an indelible mark on the football community and will be remembered as a gifted player and cherished colleague.
His former team, the Cleveland Browns, released a statement expressing their condolences to Smith’s family and colleagues upon learning of his passing. The statement read, “We are profoundly saddened by the passing of Chris Smith. During this difficult time, our thoughts and condolences are with his family and loved ones.”
Smith began his NFL tenure in 2014 when the Jacksonville Jaguars selected him in the fifth round. In 2018, he joined the Cleveland Browns after having previously played for the Cincinnati Bengals. Smith appeared in nine games for the Browns prior to his 2019 release. He subsequently joined with the Carolina Panthers but was released prior to the beginning of the regular season.
Smith was known throughout his career for his strong work ethic and determination on the field. His teammates and coaches also admired him, praising his positive attitude and leadership abilities. In a statement released by the Panthers, head coach Matt Rhule said, “Chris was an outstanding teammate and an even greater individual. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”
Off the pitch, Smith was a devoted father to his August 2019-born daughter, Haven Harris Smith. A few weeks after the birth of Haven, Smith’s girlfriend Petara Cordero was tragically killed in an automobile accident. Smith was driving the vehicle at the time of the collision, but he suffered only minor injuries and survived. The couple had planned to tie the knot the following year.
The football community is in mourning over the passing of Smith. Smith’s former teammates and coaches have turned to social media to express their condolences and remember him. Auden Tate, wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, tweeted, “My condolences are with the Smith family. Rest in peace, Chris Smith. Too swiftly gone.” Baker Mayfield, quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, wrote, “Heartbroken for your family, my sibling. Chris Smith, Rest In Peace.”
Chris Smith’s departure serves as a poignant reminder that life is precious and that we should treasure our time with loved ones. He will be remembered as a gifted athlete, a devoted father, and a beloved football community member. His family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
