Za’Darius Smith Announces Retirement from NFL

NFL veteran Za’Darius Smith revealed his retirement at 33 years old on Monday through a heartfelt social media post. The three-time Pro Bowl pass rusher had been in the league for 11 years.

Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “I knew this day would come, but now that it’s here, I’m feeling more emotions than I ever expected.” Growing up in Greenville, Alabama, with just one year of high school football experience, he never imagined he would play professionally. “Who would have thought?”

Smith expressed gratitude for the impact the game had on his life, emphasizing the incredible coaches and players he met over the years. He noted, “Football forever changed my life and the lives of my family, and for that, I am forever grateful.” His career allowed him to travel across the globe and contribute to his community through a foundation he helped establish.

Having played five games for the Philadelphia Eagles this season, he registered 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He started his professional journey when the Baltimore Ravens drafted him in the fourth round of the 2015 draft, where he spent four seasons before moving to the Green Bay Packers. His career also included stints with the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, and Detroit Lions before joining the Eagles.

As he closes this chapter, Smith retires with a career total of 70.5 sacks and 343 tackles in 145 games. It’s a remarkable achievement—and, as he reflects, perhaps a bittersweet moment filled with gratitude and nostalgia.