The Philadelphia Eagles were hit with a stunning announcement on Monday as veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler, abruptly announced his retirement
just one month after signing a one-year, $9 million contract with the defending Super Bowl champions.
Smith, 33, joined the Eagles on September 5, one day after the team’s season opener. Yet after only five games in midnight green, the former Ravens, Packers, and Lions star revealed that his body could no longer keep up with the physical demands of the NFL.
In a heartfelt post on social media, Smith explained his decision, reflecting on his 11-year NFL journey:
“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, Alabama, with just one year of high school football experience, would go on to play professional football in the NFL for 11 incredible years.”
He continued by expressing deep gratitude for the sport that changed his life:
“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.”
But Smith’s most revealing moment came when he admitted that injuries had caught up to him — and that walking away was about honesty, not weakness.
“I didn’t want to lie to this team or the fans. My body isn’t where it used to be, and every snap felt like I was pushing through pain instead of giving my best. The Eagles deserve players who can play at their highest level — and right now, that’s not me. Stepping away was the hardest choice, but also the most honest one.”
Smith’s decision leaves a major void in a Philadelphia defense already struggling with depth. The Eagles are without Nolan Smith due to injury, and Vic Fangio now relies on Joshua Uche, Patrick Johnson, Jalyx Hunt, and Azeez Ojulari to anchor the edge.
Before retiring, Smith played five games, recording 1.5 sacks and three solo tackles, including two starts against the Buccaneers and Broncos. His final appearance came in the Week 6 loss to the Giants, where he played a season-low 17 snaps — just days after Fangio publicly praised his improvement and leadership.
Originally drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2015, Smith went on to star for the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings before spending 2024 with the Browns and Lions.
Smith leaves behind a legacy defined by intensity, resilience, and integrity — and his final message to Philadelphia echoed the character he showed throughout his career: a player who chose truth over pride.
