Chris Smith, a former Bengals defensive end, passed away on April 17, 2023, according to his high school alma mater. At this time, the cause of death is unknown.
Chris Smith has also played for the Jaguars, Browns, Raiders, and Texans. Chris Smith attended West Rowan High School in North Carolina before going on to play college basketball at Arkansas. The Jacksonville Jaguars selected him in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Chris Smith played three seasons for the Jaguars before moving on to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017, followed by two seasons in Cleveland. Chris Smith appeared in eight games for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020. Smith most recently appeared in four games for the Houston Texans in 2021.
Chris Smith signed a one-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens on July 27, 2021. On August 31, 2021, he was released and re-signed to the practice squad the following day. On October 19, 2021, he was freed. Smith signed with the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons on March 9, 2023.