Former Green Bay Packers pass rusher Za'Darius Smith is back in the NFL, signing a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons, who will open play five days after Smith celebrates his 34th birthday.
In an emotional press conference with Falcons reporters, Smith explained why he retired from the NFL in 2025 after just five games with the Philadelphia Eagles.
"I got a phone call from my mom's doctor telling me that she doesn't have much longer to be on this earth," Smith said. "That was the only thing I had left [in terms of options], to retire, so I retired. After losing my mom, I lost my grandma, and after my grandma, I just lost my dad."
Smith, born in Montgomery, Alabama – less than a three-hour drive from Atlanta – said his mom always wanted him to play for the Falcons.
"I could see this as my happy place," Smith said.
#five #former
In an emotional press conference with Falcons reporters, Smith explained why he retired from the NFL in 2025 after just five games with the Philadelphia Eagles.
"I got a phone call from my mom's doctor telling me that she doesn't have much longer to be on this earth," Smith said. "That was the only thing I had left [in terms of options], to retire, so I retired. After losing my mom, I lost my grandma, and after my grandma, I just lost my dad."
Smith, born in Montgomery, Alabama – less than a three-hour drive from Atlanta – said his mom always wanted him to play for the Falcons.
"I could see this as my happy place," Smith said.
#five #former
2 months ago
