CLEVELAND (AP) — Chris Smith, a former NFL defensive end who experienced tragedy while playing for the Cleveland Browns, has passed away.

His age was 31.

The Browns and Smith’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, both verified his passing on Tuesday. It was not immediately clear what caused the death.

Chris Rosenhaus tweeted, “Rest in peace.” “My condolences to his friends, family, and loved ones. You will be missed.

This season, Smith was a member of the Seattle Sea Dragons of the XFL.

He was a member of the Jacksonville, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Las Vegas, and Houston NFL teams for eight seasons prior to that.

Petara Cordero, Smith’s girlfriend, was killed in 2019 while he was a member of the Browns when she was struck by a car after getting out of the car he was driving.

When the 47-year-old woman’s car collided with Smith’s car’s passenger side, Cordero was on the shoulder of the road.

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Defense end Myles Garrett of the Browns, an All-Pro, said of Chris, “He was one of the kindest players and people that I’ve ever met.” “He was prepared to take off his shirt for you.” Knowing that people like that could disappear at any moment is difficult.

Smith and Cordero had a daughter shortly before Cordero’s death.

Smith was selected by the Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft after playing for Arkansas. After 72 games, he concluded his career with 11 sacks.

Baker Mayfield, a former quarterback for the Browns, also showed sympathy for Smith.

Mayfield shared a picture of Smith addressing a group of Browns on Twitter along with the caption, “To know him was to love him.” “Heaven received a nice one. We will always miss you and never forget you. Chris, RIP.

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