The Philadelphia Eagles were dealt another blow to their roster on Monday when defensive end Za’Darius Smith abruptly announced his retirement.
Smith, 33, signed a one-year, $9million deal with the Super Bowl champions on September 5, one day after the Eagles kick started their season.
Yet, just over one month later, the three-time Pro Bowler has made the shock decision to hang up his cleats.
Smith confirmed his decision in an emotional statement on social media, telling fans: ‘I knew this day would come – but now that it’s here, l’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!’
Smith, who suited up for the East Mississippi Lions and Kentucky Wildcats in college, went on to hail the game for transforming his life.
NFL defensive end Za’Darius Smith abruptly announced his retirement on Monday
‘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,’ he added. ‘Football has transformed my life and my family’s lives forever – and for that, l’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.’
More to follow.
