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The NFL star Za’darius Smith announced his decision to retire on Monday at. 33 years old.
Smith, a three-time pro bowl pass Rusher, who was in his 11th year in the league, announced his decision in a post on social media.
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Philadelphia Eagles Defensive End Za’darius Smith (52) guests to fans ahead of the game against Kansas City Chiefs at Geha Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 14, 2025. (Jay BiggerStaff/Imag images)
“I knew this day would come – but now that it is here, I feel so many feelings that I never expected,” he wrote on Instagram. “Who would have thought that a child from Greenville, Al, with only one year of high school football experience, would continue to play professional football in the NFL for 11 incredible years!
“This game has given me the opportunity to meet good coaches, compete with some of the best players ever and represent some of the greatest organizations in the league. Football has transformed my life and my family’s life forever – and for that I am eternally grateful.
“This career has taken me all over the world – from earning my first passport to visit countries I only looked at cards, to help me start a foundation that gives back to my community. There have been challenges along the way, but the benefits have offset them all and helped me to learn, grow and develop as a man.”
Detroit Lions defensive end Za’darius Smith (99) celebrates 31-9 win over Minnesota Vikings as he leaves the field at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday 5th January 2025. (Junfu he / USA Today Network via Imag images)
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Smith was with Philadelphia Eagles when he announced his pension. He played five games for Eagles and had 1.5 sacks with 10 tackles.
He started when the Baltimore Ravens chose him in the fourth round of the 2015 draft. He played four seasons with Baltimore before joining Green Bay Packers.
Smith then spent time with Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions before joining the Eagles this season.
Philadelphia Eagles’ Za’darius Smith celebrates firing of Denver Broncos Quarterback Bo Nix with teammate Eagles Defensive Tackle Moro Ojomo during the first half of a NFL football match on Sunday 5 October 2025 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
He retires with 70.5 sacks and 343 tackles in 145 career games.
