Billy Ray Smith Jr., the former San Diego Chargers linebacker who became one of the franchise’s most respected defensive stars before building a successful broadcasting career, has died at 64.
His family announced Wednesday that Billy Ray Smith Jr. died after battling dementia caused by chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of our beloved Billy Ray Smith Jr., who passed away peacefully surrounded by family,” the statement said. “Billy Ray faced his long journey with dementia caused by CTE with unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength. Billy Ray brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the world as a devoted father, husband, son, and loyal friend.”
CTE is a progressive brain disease associated with repeated head trauma. Researchers have identified it in contact-sport athletes, military veterans, and others exposed to repetitive blows to the head. The condition has been linked to depression, impulsive behavior and severe mood changes, and can only be definitively diagnosed after death.
Chargers owner Dean Spanos paid tribute to the franchise great, saying Smith “wasn’t merely a great football player. He was, truly, larger than life.”
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Billy Ray Smith Jr. spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Chargers after the team selected him with the fifth overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft out of Arkansas. He later earned a spot on the franchise’s 50th anniversary team after finishing his career with 26.5 sacks, 15 interceptions, 14 fumble recoveries and 13 forced fumbles.
Before reaching the NFL, Smith was a two-time unanimous All-American at Arkansas and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000. He also starred at Plano Senior High School in Texas.
Following his retirement from football, Smith transitioned into broadcasting. He served as sports director for San Diego’s ABC affiliate, co-hosted a long-running sports radio show, and covered college and professional football for national television broadcasts.
Football ran in the Smith family. His father, Billy Ray Smith Sr., also played at Arkansas before enjoying a lengthy NFL career from 1957 through 1970 with the Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Colts.
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