Za’Darius Smith Reveals Heartbreaking Reason Behind Sudden Retirement

Newly signed Atlanta Falcons defensive end Za’Darius Smith revealed on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, that his abrupt retirement during the 2025 National Football League season stemmed from a terminal diagnosis given to his mother, according to reports from ESPN and Yahoo Sports.

Smith signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Falcons after entering the 2026 offseason as a free agent, returning to football following a difficult personal chapter. According to Yahoo Sports, the pass rusher played five games for the Philadelphia Eagles last year after signing a one-year, $9 million deal right before the 2025 season opener. During that stint, he recorded 10 total tackles and 1.5 sacks.

The course of Smith’s career shifted abruptly in October 2025 when he received a phone call from his mother’s physician. According to ESPN, the doctor informed him that his mother’s health was failing rapidly and she did not have much time left to live.

“I was in a dark place,” Smith said in a news conference covered by Yahoo Sports and ESPN.

Facing an immediate family crisis, Smith attempted to leave the Philadelphia franchise to return home. According to Yahoo Sports, team officials initially resisted his departure, leaving retirement as his only viable option to secure the time he needed.

“I let the [Eagles] know,” Smith said, as reported by Yahoo Sports. “Obviously, they wasn’t trying to let me leave, but that was the only thing I had left [was] to retire. So, I retired.”

Following his retirement, Smith’s mother passed away. According to Yahoo Sports and ESPN, that loss was followed closely by the deaths of both his father and his grandmother over recent months.

Roster Context in Atlanta

Smith joins an Atlanta defensive unit facing major personnel challenges ahead of the 2026 season. According to Yahoo Sports, the Falcons lost linebacker Jalon Walker for the entire year due to an ACL injury, and edge rusher James Pearce Jr. drew an eight-game suspension.

Before signing with Atlanta, Smith explored options with the Cleveland Browns after a call from general manager Andrew Berry, according to Yahoo Sports. When financial terms in Cleveland did not align, the Falcons stepped in with their one-year deal.

“My mom, rest her soul, man, she always wanted me to be in Atlanta with the Falcons,” Smith said, per Yahoo Sports.

Looking Ahead to Season 12

As he prepares for his 12th NFL season, Smith brings a substantial career stat line to his new club. Selected in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Kentucky by the Baltimore Ravens, he has accumulated 70.5 career sacks and 343 total tackles across stints with the Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, and Philadelphia Eagles.

Despite a difficult year away from the gridiron, Smith expressed relief about returning to the game.

“I’m happy to be back, man,” Smith said, according to Yahoo Sports. “This is my happy place, and I’m ready to get it going.”