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NFL star Za’Darius Smith announced his decision to retire Monday at age 33.
Smith, a three-time Pro Bowl passer who was in his 11th year in the league, announced his decision in a social media post.
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Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Za’Darius Smith (52) greets fans before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 14, 2025. (Jay Biggerstaff/Imagn Images)
“I knew this day would come, but now that it’s here I feel so many emotions I didn’t expect,” he wrote on Instagram. “Who would have thought that a kid from Greenville, AL, with only one year of high school football experience, would go on to play professional football in the NFL for an incredible 11 years!
“This game gave me the opportunity to meet great coaches, compete alongside some of the best players of all time, and represent some of the greatest organizations in the league. Football transformed my life and the lives of my family forever – and for that, I am eternally grateful.
“This career has taken me around the world: from getting my first passport stamp to visiting countries I only saw on maps, to starting a foundation that gives back to my community. There have been challenges along the way, but the rewards have outweighed them all and helped me learn, grow, and evolve as a man. »
Detroit Lions defensive end Za’Darius Smith (99) celebrates his 31-9 victory against the Minnesota Vikings as he leaves the field at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (Junfu Han/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Smith was with the Philadelphia Eagles when he announced his retirement. He played in five games for the Eagles and had 1.5 sacks with 10 tackles.
He made his debut when the Baltimore Ravens selected him in the fourth round of the 2015 draft. He played four seasons with Baltimore before joining the Green Bay Packers.
Smith then spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions before joining the Eagles this season.
Za’Darius Smith of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates the sack of Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix with teammate Eagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
He will retire with 70.5 sacks and 343 tackles in 145 career games.
