Former Chargers Linebacker Billy Ray Smith Jr. Dies at 64
Former San Diego Chargers linebacker and College Football Hall of Famer Billy Ray Smith Jr. has died at the age of 64. His family announced his passing, stating he succumbed to dementia caused by CTE.
Detroit, MI, July 30, 2026 —
Billy Ray Smith Jr., a former linebacker for the San Diego Chargers and a College Football Hall of Famer, has died at the age of 64.
Smith’s family announced his passing, stating that he succumbed to dementia that was caused by Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
Smith played college football at the University of Arkansas before being selected by the Chargers in the first round of the 1978 NFL Draft. He spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Chargers, from 1978 to 1987. During his time in San Diego, Smith was a consistent presence on defense, known for his hard-hitting style and leadership.
His impactful career on the field earned him recognition as a College Football Hall of Famer. He was also inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.
The cause of death, dementia linked to CTE, highlights ongoing concerns about the long-term effects of head trauma in professional football. CTE is a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated head injuries, including concussions and subconcussive hits, which are common in football.
Story summarized from the original created by Associated Press on www.clickondetroit.com, see more information here.
