Former Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith Jr., 64, passes away

Billy Ray Smith Jr., a 64-year-old former NFL linebacker and College Football Hall of Fame inductee, died on July 29, according to a statement from his family. The announcement highlighted his peaceful passing while he faced dementia stemming from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a condition tied to his football career. Smith was a first-round pick (No. 5) of the San Diego Chargers in the 1983 draft and spent his entire ten-year professional tenure with the franchise, compiling 26.5 sacks, 15 interceptions and 13 forced fumbles in 126 appearances.

A two-time unanimous All-American at Arkansas, he later joined the Chargers’ 50th-anniversary roster, sharing the honor with teammates such as Junior Seau and Shawne Merriman. His father, Billy Ray Smith Sr., also a former NFL defender, passed away in 2001. Chargers owner Dean Spanos issued a condolence message on social media following the news.