Former Lions Pass Rusher Abruptly Announces Midseason Retirement
Former NFL defensive end Za’Darius Smith has announced his midseason retirement after a brief stint with the Philadelphia Eagles. This decision comes after playing just five games in the current season. Smith shared his emotional farewell on Instagram, expressing gratitude towards fans and reflecting on his journey in football.
Midseason Retirement Announcement
Za’Darius Smith’s retirement was unveiled on a Monday, where he described the moment as emotional and anticipated. In his post, he thanked all his fans across various teams he represented, highlighting their support through jerseys, cards, and letters.
Career Highlights
Smith’s career spanned over ten seasons in the NFL. He has notable achievements, including:
- 343 tackles
- 70.5 sacks
- 10 forced fumbles
- Three Pro Bowl selections
Recent Team Changes
The Detroit Lions made waves in the offseason by cutting Smith, despite mutual interest in retaining him. Last season, the Lions acquired Smith through a trade, sending two draft picks in exchange. He played a vital role in the Lions’ defense, especially after Aidan Hutchinson’s injury, contributing four sacks and 36 pressures.
Despite his past contributions, the Lions chose to save $11 million over two seasons by parting ways with Smith. Instead of pursuing a new contract with him, they opted to re-sign Marcus Davenport and Al-Quadin Muhammad. While Davenport has posted one sack this season and is currently on injured reserve, Muhammad has made a notable impact with 4.5 sacks through six games.
Impact on the Philadelphia Eagles
During his time with the Eagles, Smith managed to record 1.5 sacks and ten pressures. His contributions on the field, although limited, were significant in the team’s early push this season. His retirement marks the end of an impactful career with multiple accolades.
Za’Darius Smith leaves behind a legacy in the NFL with his impressive statistics and memorable moments. His departure echoes the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the emotional connections formed throughout a player’s career.
