Philadelphia Eagles’ pass rusher Za’Darius Smith suddenly announced his retirement on Monday.
In a statement on social media, Smith reflected on his 11-year career: “I knew this day would come — but now that it’s here, I’m feeling so many emotions I never expected. Who would’ve thought that a kid from Greenville, AL, with just one year of high school football experience, would go on to play professional football in the NFL for 11 incredible years! This game has given me the opportunity to meet great coaches, compete alongside some of the best players ever, and represent some of the greatest organizations in the league. Football has transformed my life and my family’s lives forever — and for that, I’m forever grateful. This career has taken me across the world — from earning my first passport stamp to visit countries I only saw on maps, to helping me start a foundation that gives back to my community. There have been challenges along the way, but the rewards have outweighed them all and helped me learn, grow, and evolve as a man… And to the fans — the biggest thank you of all. To every fan from each organization I represented: thank you, thank you, thank you for everything! From wearing my jerseys, collecting my cards, sending letters, sharing your opinions (good and tough ones alike), and most importantly — showing love. I felt it all. As I step into the newest season of my life, please know this game has meant the world to me. The lessons learned on and off the field will stay with me forever.”
Smith, 33, signed a one-year, $4.25 million contract with the reigning Super Bowl champions after their Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys in September. Over five games, Smith led the Eagles’ edge rusher group with 1.5 sacks, 3 QB hits and two tackles for loss.
Smith finishes his career with 70.5 sacks, 176 QB hits and 87 tackles for loss in 145 games for the Baltimore Ravens (four seasons), Green Bay Packers (racking up 13.5 sacks in 2019 and 12.5 sacks in 2020), Minnesota Vikings (making his third Pro Bowl with 10 sacks), as well as the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions and Eagles.
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