Former Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith Jr. dies at 64, family announces
Summary
Billy Ray Smith Jr., a former linebacker for the San Diego Chargers and a College Football Hall of Famer, has died at age 64. His family said he passed away after suffering from dementia caused by CTE, a brain condition linked to repeated head injuries.Key Facts
- Billy Ray Smith Jr. played 10 seasons with the San Diego Chargers after being picked 5th overall in the 1983 NFL draft.
- He recorded 15 interceptions, 14 fumble recoveries, and 13 forced fumbles during his NFL career.
- Smith was named to the Chargers' 50th anniversary team for his contributions.
- After retiring from football, he worked as a sports director for a TV station in San Diego and co-hosted a popular radio show.
- He was a two-time All-American player in college and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.
- Smith suffered from CTE-caused dementia, a condition linked to repeated head trauma often found in contact sports players.
- His father, Billy Ray Smith Sr., also played professional football from 1957 to 1970.
- Smith passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
