Za’Darius Smith Announces His Retirement from the NFL
The experienced edge rusher of the Philadelphia Eagles, Za’Darius Smith, has decided to retire from the NFL, according to the player’s announcement on social media. Smith communicated his decision to the team this Monday morning, marking a sudden departure for a productive player in a key position for the Eagles.In his post, Smith reflected on his career: “Who would have thought that a kid from Greenville, AL, with only one year of experience in American football in high school, would play professional football in the NFL for 11 incredible years!… As I enter the new season of my life, know that this game has meant the world to me. The lessons learned on and off the field will stay with me forever.” The Eagles’ edge rusher position already presented questions at the start of the season, following the departures of Brandon Graham (retirement) and Josh Sweat (free agency). To this was added the injury of Nolan Smith Jr., who was placed on the injured reserve list for a triceps injury at the end of September. Ogbo Okoronkwo was also added to the injured list after the Week 4 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Philadelphia signed Za’Darius Smith to a one-year, $4.25 million contract after their Week 1 victory against the Dallas Cowboys. He made an immediate impact, recording 1.5 sacks, 3 quarterback hits, and two tackles for loss in five games. Smith had the opportunity to reach lucrative incentives. According to a copy of the contract, he would receive an additional $250,000 for five catches, $500,000 if he reached seven catches, and $1 million for nine, with increases up to $2.5 million if he achieved 15 or more catches. “I’m content with what I have and what I’m going to earn in terms of incentives,” Smith said in early September. “I’m happy where I am and where I am in life; it’s really not just about the money. I’ve made a lot of money, I’ve had four or five contracts. I’m just ready to play football, that’s all.” Smith finishes his career with 70.5 sacks, 176 quarterback hits, and 87 tackles for loss in 145 games with the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, and Eagles. Nolan Smith is expected to return after the Eagles’ bye week in Week 9. Two veteran players the team signed to one-year contracts this offseason, Joshua Uche and Azeez Ojulari, will likely take on more significant roles alongside starter Jalyx Hunt.“I knew this day would come, but now that it’s here, I feel many emotions I never expected,” Smith wrote on Instagram.
Za’Darius Smith
