Za'Darius Smith reveals personal tragedies behind 2025 retirement

NFL player Za'Darius Smith has revealed the personal tragedies that led to his abrupt retirement during the 2025 season. After signing a one-year, $4.25 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, Smith retired just five games into the season, leaving fans and the league without a clear explanation at the time.

Smith disclosed that his decision was driven by a series of family losses. He received a call from his mother’s doctor informing him she had little time left to live. Following her passing, Smith also lost his grandmother and his father in quick succession. He described himself as being in a “dark place” during this period.

Smith has since returned to the NFL, signing a one-year, $6 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons on August 18. He noted that playing football is his “happy place” and mentioned that his mother had always wanted him to play for Atlanta.