Home / Sports / NFL Star Za'Darius Smith Retires Midseason, Leaving Eagles Reeling
NFL Star Za'Darius Smith Retires Midseason, Leaving Eagles Reeling
13 Oct
Summary
- Za'Darius Smith unexpectedly announced retirement from NFL
- Occurred 6 weeks into 2025 season, after joining Eagles in offseason
- Smith had 1.5 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, 10 pressures in 5 games
On October 13, 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles were dealt a major blow as veteran edge rusher Za'Darius Smith unexpectedly announced his retirement from the NFL. The announcement came just six weeks into the 2025 season, a surprising move considering Smith had joined the Eagles in the offseason.
Smith, who had played in all five games for the Eagles since their Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys, had tallied 1.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, and 10 pressures. His sudden departure leaves a significant hole in the Eagles' defensive front, as the team was counting on Smith's veteran presence and pass-rushing prowess to bolster their defense.
The reasons behind Smith's decision to retire midway through the season remain unclear, as the player did not provide any specific details in his announcement. This sudden turn of events has undoubtedly left the Eagles organization and their fans reeling, as they now must find a way to adjust their plans and fill the void left by Smith's unexpected retirement.
