Eagles outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith has announced his retirement from the NFL. The announcement was made on Monday, with Head Coach Nick Sirianni addressing reporters in the afternoon.
“I wish him the best. I really enjoyed having him on this football team while he was on this football team,” Sirianni said.
Smith joined the Eagles after Week 1 of the current season and played 11 seasons in the league for six different teams. He was selected to the Pro Bowl three times and led Philadelphia’s edge rushers with 1.5 sacks this season. Over his career, Smith recorded 70.5 sacks in 145 regular-season games.
On Instagram, Smith reflected on his career: “I knew this day would come — but now that it’s here, I’m feeling so many emotions I never expected,” he wrote. “… This game has given me the opportunity to meet great coaches, compete alongside some of the best players ever, and represent some of the greatest organizations in the league. Football has transformed my life and my family’s lives forever — and for that, I’m forever grateful.
“… To the fans — the biggest thank you of all. To every fan from each organization I represented: thank you, thank you, thank you for everything! From wearing my jerseys, collecting my cards, sending letters, sharing your opinions (good and tough ones alike), and most importantly — showing love. I felt it all. As I step into the newest season of my life, please know this game has meant the world to me. The lessons learned on and off the field will stay with me forever.”
With Smith’s departure, Philadelphia’s active edge rushers are Jalyx Hunt, Azeez Ojulari, Joshua Uche, and Patrick Johnson. Ogbo Okoronkwo and Nolan Smith remain on Injured Reserve.
Sirianni expressed confidence in his remaining defensive line: “As far as my confidence in the guys there on the defensive line, a lot of confidence in them,” he said. “I like that position. I like the depth we have at that position. The numbers at how they play now will be distributed a little differently.”
