Ex-Chargers Linebacker Dies: Billy Ray Smith Jr. Passes Away at 64

floriparesort.com – 30 July 2026 | Ex-Chargers linebacker dies, a devastating news that has shaken the football community. Billy Ray Smith Jr., a former San Diego Chargers linebacker, has passed away at the age of 64 due to dementia caused by chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The news of Ex-Chargers linebacker dies has left fans and former teammates in shock, remembering Smith’s remarkable career and his impact on the sport.

Smith was drafted by the Chargers with the fifth overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft and spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the team. He was a cornerstone of the Chargers’ defense throughout the 1980s, earning second-team All-AFC honors twice and second-team All-Pro recognition in 1989. The Ex-Chargers linebacker dies, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.

After retiring from football, Smith transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a familiar voice and face for local sports fans in San Diego. He worked as a television sports anchor for KGTV, contributed to Chargers preseason broadcasts, and served as a college football analyst for Fox Sports. The Ex-Chargers linebacker dies, but his contributions to the sport will not be forgotten.

Smith’s family announced that he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, after facing dementia caused by CTE with unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength. The Ex-Chargers linebacker dies, but his memory will live on through his family, friends, and fans. Chargers owner and chairman of the board Dean Spanos issued a statement remembering the late Smith, saying, “To know Billy Ray was to love Billy Ray. Yes, he was a member of our 50th Anniversary team. Yes, he was a Charger for life, playing his entire 10-year career here. But he wasn’t merely a great football player. He was, truly, larger than life.”

The Ex-Chargers linebacker dies, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of football players and fans. Smith’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting former athletes and their families, particularly those affected by CTE. As the football community mourns the loss of Ex-Chargers linebacker dies, it is essential to acknowledge the impact that Smith had on the sport and the people around him.

In conclusion, the news of Ex-Chargers linebacker dies is a somber reminder of the risks and challenges faced by athletes in contact sports. Billy Ray Smith Jr.’s passing leaves a void in the football community, but his memory will be cherished through the countless lives he touched during his remarkable career and beyond.

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