Veteran linebacker Za'Darius Smith has revealed he briefly retired from the NFL to care for his dying mother before joining the Atlanta Falcons this month.
The 33-year-old pass rusher walked away from professional football last year after playing just five games for the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2025 season, having joined the team on a $9 million contract.
Speaking at a press conference this week, Smith explained that his decision to leave Philadelphia came after receiving a phone call from his mother's doctor informing him that she did not have long to live.
"I wasn't supposed to retire," Smith said. "I wasn't going to tell the story, but I'm going to tell it. I got a phone call from my mom's doctor telling me that she don't have much longer to be on this earth."
Smith explained that stepping away from football was his only option at the time. "I let the team know," he said. "Obviously they wasn't trying to let me leave, but that was the only thing I had left - to retire. So, I retired."
Following his mother's death, Smith suffered further tragedy when his grandmother and father also passed away shortly afterward during a turbulent few months for his family.
"I was in a dark place," Smith admitted, reflecting on the emotional toll of losing three close relatives in quick succession.
Return to professional football
Earlier this month, it was confirmed that the three-time Pro Bowler would return to the National Football League less than a year after stepping away.
Smith initially worked out for the Cleveland Browns during his comeback attempt, but the Atlanta Falcons swooped in to sign the veteran defender to a one-year contract worth $6 million.
Smith, who turns 34 in September, expressed relief and happiness at returning to football activities in Atlanta.
"This is my happy place," Smith said. "Come back, play football. I was in a dark place, but, you know, coming out, running out on the field, the fans - not just the fans, man, the joy that I get from winning and just getting sacks."
NFL career history
Smith, a ten-year NFL veteran, originally entered the league in 2015 when he was selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens.
Throughout his career, the pass rusher has established himself as a prominent defensive player across multiple franchises. Prior to his stint with the Eagles, Smith spent time playing for the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, and Cleveland Browns.
Falcons defensive options
The Atlanta Falcons moved to sign Smith to bolster their defensive front following major personnel disruptions at defensive end ahead of the new season.
Atlanta lost defender Jalon Walker to a season-ending knee injury. Additionally, defensive end James Pearce Jr received an eight-game suspension following an offseason arrest connected to an alleged incident involving his then-girlfriend, Women's National Basketball Association star Rickea Jackson.
