Za'Darius Smith, an NFL star who signed with the Falcons after retiring, acknowledges that three of his relatives died after leaving the Eagles

Za’Darius Smith has revealed the heartbreaking circumstances behind his decision to walk away from the NFL during the 2025 season, explaining that he lost his mother, grandmother and father in the months following his sudden retirement from the Philadelphia Eagles.

The 33-year-old veteran pass rusher had signed a one-year deal with Philadelphia but appeared in only five games before stepping away from football.

Smith said the decision came after he received a call from his mother’s doctor, who told him she didn’t have much time left to live.

Smith informed the Eagles that he needed to leave, but the team was reluctant to let him go. With no other option available, he decided to retire so he could focus on his family.

His mother eventually died, and Smith was then forced to endure two more devastating losses. He revealed that his grandmother died after his mother, followed by the death of his father.

“Dealt with that. After losing my mom, I lost my grandma. Then after my grandma, I just lost my dad,” Smith told reporters, reflecting on an incredibly difficult period of his life.

The three-time Pro Bowl selection admitted that the losses left him in a very dark place. After spending months away from football, he gradually began to rediscover the joy that the game had once brought him.

Smith believes football can be his happy place again

Smith’s return began unexpectedly when Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry contacted him earlier this month. Berry had previously worked with the veteran and initially checked in to see how he was doing before discussing the possibility of a comeback.

Smith eventually traveled to Cleveland for a workout. Although he didn’t reach an agreement with the Browns, the experience helped reignite his desire to play.

That ultimately led him to Atlanta, where the Falcons offered him a one-year, $6 million contract. The move also has a deeply personal connection for Smith because his late mother had always wanted him to play for Atlanta.

During his introductory press conference, Smith became emotional while explaining what football now means to him.

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

For Smith , the move to Atalanta represents an opportunity to find happiness and purpose again rather than just extending his career.

The veteran has also given himself another professional target. Smith currently has 70.5 career sacks and wants to reach 100 before his career ends.

He’ll now attempt to pursue that milestone with his seventh NFL team. After previously playing for the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions and Eagles, Smith is preparing for a new chapter with Atlanta.

His comeback comes after one of the most painful periods of his life, but Smith appears determined to make the most of the opportunity.