Emotional Za'Darius Smith explains why he left NFL, and why he's back
A barrage of personal losses led Za'Darius Smith to walk away from the NFL in 2025, and he explained all during an emotional press conference.
Za Darius Smith, a former Green Bay Packers pass rusher, has returned to the NFL by signing a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. The team will begin play five days after Smith, who turns 34, joins them. In an emotionally charged press conference, Smith revealed that his mother's declining health prompted his retirement from the NFL in 2025 after just five games with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Smith's mother had always hoped he would play for the Falcons, which Smith now sees as "my happy place." During his emotional press conference, he also credited his friend Wallace Gilberry for his support during his family losses. Despite considering a move to the Cleveland Browns, Smith ultimately chose the Falcons, where he could lean on Kevin Stefanski, the coach who previously worked with him.
Smith's impressive NFL career includes playing for the Packers from 2019 to 2021, with his 2021 season limited due to injury. He made Pro Bowl appearances in those seasons and amassed 26 sacks. His 70½ career sacks earned him two Pro Bowl selections, and he expressed a desire to reach 100.
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