CLEVELAND (AP) 鈥 Former NFL defensive end Chris Smith, who was touched by tragedy while he played for the Cleveland Browns, has died. He was 31.
Smith's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and the Browns confirmed his passing on Tuesday. The cause of death was not immediately known.
鈥淩est in Peace Chris,鈥 Rosenhaus wrote on Twitter. 鈥淐ondolences to all his family, friends and loved ones. We will miss you.鈥
Smith played for the XFL鈥檚 Seattle Sea Dragons this season. He previously spent eight seasons in the NFL with Jacksonville, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Las Vegas and Houston.
While Smith was with the Browns in 2019, his girlfriend, Petara Cordero, when she was hit by a car after she exited the vehicle he was driving. Cordero was standing on the road鈥檚 shoulder when the vehicle driven by a 47-year-old woman smashed into the passenger side of Smith鈥檚 car.
鈥淐hris was one of the kindest players and people that I鈥檝e ever met,鈥 Browns All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett said. 鈥淗e was willing to give you the shirt off his back for you. It鈥檚 hard just knowing people like that can go at any time."
Smith and Cordero had a daughter shortly before Cordero's death.
After playing at Arkansas, Smith was drafted by the Jaguars in the fifth round in 2014. He finished with 11 career sacks in 72 games.
Former Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield also expressed his sympathy for Smith.
鈥淭o know him was to love him,鈥 Mayfield posted on Twitter along with a photo of Smith leading a huddle of Browns. 鈥淗eaven got a good one. We鈥檒l never forget you and we鈥檒l always miss you. RIP Chris.鈥
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