In an emotional press conference, veteran NFL pass rusher Za'Darius Smith revealed why he abruptly walked away from football last year.
Playing for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2025, the three-time Pro Bowler retired just five games into the season. He explained that a sudden phone call changed everything.
“I got a phone call from my mom’s doctor telling me that she don’t have much longer to be on this Earth,” Smith said. “I let the team know. Obviously, they weren’t trying to let me leave but that was the only thing I had left – to retire. So I retired.”
Heartbreaking loss streak
Smith walked away from his contract to spend precious remaining time with his mother. Sadly, his tragedy did not end with her death. Shortly after losing his mother, his grandmother and father also passed away in rapid succession.
Dealing with grief took a heavy emotional toll. “I was in a dark place,” Smith admitted as he opened up about the personal losses that reshaped his entire life.
The road back
After taking time away to grieve, the edge rusher decided to return to the field for the 2026 season. He signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons, choosing them after brief free-agency talks with other teams.
The decision carries deep personal meaning because of a promise to his family. Smith shared that his late mother “always wanted me to be in Atlanta with the Falcons.”
Finding joy again
For the 33-year-old veteran, stepping back onto the gridiron is about healing. “This is my happy place,” Smith reflected about being back in pads.
“Come back, play football, the joy that I get from winning and just getting sacks.” Now, he steps into the season aiming to rebuild his life and achieve 100 career sacks.
