Ex-Packers All-Pro Za'Darius Smith comes out of retirement, will play Green Bay

Former Green Bay Packers defensive end Za Darius Smith has returned to professional football after coming out of retirement. Smith, 33, played for the Packers from 2019 to 2021, securing Pro Bowl honors in both seasons due to his impressive performance, including 13.5 sacks in his rookie year. However, a back injury limited his appearances in 2021, leading him to sign with the Minnesota Vikings, where he earned a third Pro Bowl recognition the following year.

Smith then played for the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions before rejoining the Eagles for the 2025 season. After announcing his retirement last year, Smith has now signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons, reuniting with his former head coach Kevin Stefanski, who was recently hired by the Falcons. The Falcons will face the Packers at Lambeau Field for the team's home opener on Thursday Night Football on September 24.