Za'Darius Smith Joins Falcons at 33 After 3 Family Deaths Drove NFL Return
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 27
Za'Darius Smith Joins Falcons at 33 After 3 Family Deaths Drove NFL Return
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 27
Summary
Za'Darius Smith said he returned to the NFL with Atlanta after losing his mother, grandmother and father in rapid succession, calling football his "happy place" after being in a dark place.
The 33-year-old edge rusher had stepped away from the Eagles in October 2025 and said he was ready to retire before the Falcons offered him a chance to come back.
Atlanta signed Smith to bolster its pass rush after Jalon Walker suffered a season-ending ACL injury and James Pearce Jr. drew an eight-game suspension.
Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler entering his 11th season and seventh team, has 70.5 career sacks and said he is now chasing 100.