The mother of seven-year-old Chris Smith’s son posts heartbreaking tribute to his father and former NFL player after his death at 31: ‘You knew how to light up a room’
The mother of Chris Smith’s seven-year-old son paid tribute to the former NFL player in an emotional post after his father passed away at the age of 31.
Smith passed away just hours after playing for the Seattle Sea Dragons in the XFL, and to date the cause of death has not been announced.
Tributes poured in for the former defensive end on Tuesday, and now Alexis Dodds, mother of Smith’s son Jason, has taken to social media, sharing a heartbreaking post.
Along with a set of TikTok photos and videos with Smith, the traveling nurse wrote on Instagram: “Where do I begin? 2013 changed my life forever without my knowing it. I thank God for the 10 years of knowing you, but I thank Him even more for allowing us to create a son, a legacy.
You knew how to light up a room with your laughter and spirit. We have had many highs and many lows..a lot of people can never understand our relationship.
The mother of Chris Smith’s seven-year-old son paid tribute to the former NFL player
But through it all we knew we were a family and loved each other deeply. I can’t believe I’m writing this now, and I don’t know how to tell our son, that you’re gone.
I promise your legacy will live on forever! Smitty, we love you. Love fly high.
The 2014 NFL Draft selection has spent time with seven different teams across eight seasons in the league, ending his professional career with the Houston Texans in 2021.
Smith’s last Instagram post was on March 30, where he captioned it “XFL Live” where he appears to be talking about playing soccer with one of his teammates. The comments received were homages to Smith, with one saying, “I love you high fly family.”
He was represented by Nicole Lane, the agent who on Monday negotiated the $255 million deal Jalen Hurts signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history.
The Cleveland Browns said in a statement on Tuesday: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Browns Chris Smith. Chris was one of the kindest people, colleagues, and friends we have in our organization. Our hearts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”
In a tweet revealing Smith’s death on Monday, the West Rowan High School football account said: “Rest in peace a West Rowan legend!”
Chris was a better person than a player! His impact on those around him will be remembered forever! “
Cleveland Browns toughhead David Njoku added in his tribute: “Rest in heaven Chris Smith. Hometown hero and brother to all. What a good spirit. Heartbreaking.”
Smith passed away just hours after playing for the Seattle Sea Dragons in the XFL
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was among a number of people who paid tribute to Smith
Live on your legacy as someone who spread love with a smile. I love you brother.
Russell Wilson tweeted on Tuesday: RIP Chris Smith. Pray for your loved ones.
‘The Rock’ Dwayne Johnson wrote on Twitter: ‘Sorry to hear this news. Grief for Chris’ family. The entire XFL world sends love, light and strength to the Smith family. stay strong. we are here. DJ.
Smith played with the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons this season. He previously spent eight seasons in the NFL with Jacksonville, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Las Vegas, and Houston.
While Smith was with Brown in 2019, his girlfriend Petara Cordero was killed when she was hit by a car after she got out of the car he was driving. Cordero was standing on the shoulder of the road when the car in which a 47-year-old woman was traveling crashed into the passenger side of Smith’s car.
“Chris was one of the most amazing players and people I’ve ever met,” said Miles Garrett, Browns All-Pro defensive end. He was willing to give you the shirt off his back for you. It’s hard to know that people like that can go away at any time.
Smith and Cordero had a daughter shortly before Cordero’s death.
After playing for Arkansas, Smith was drafted by the Jaguars in the fifth round in 2014. Smith finished with 11 sacks in 72 games.
