Za'Darius Smith is calling it a career. The veteran edge rusher announced his retirement on Instagram after 11 seasons in the NFL, just a few weeks after signing a one-year deal with the Eagles. The news caught plenty of people off guard, especially since Smith had been starting to carve out a role in Philadelphia's defense.
Videos by FanBuzz
#Eagles pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith announced on Instagram that he’s retiring. pic.twitter.com/4yhEFoMWO3
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 13, 2025
"I knew this day would come — but now that it's here, I'm feeling so many emotions I never expected," Smith wrote, sharing photos from across his career. The 33-year-old didn't say why he chose to step away, only that he's grateful for everything football gave him.
"Who would've thought that a kid from Greenville, Alabama, with just one year of high school football experience, would go on to play professional football in the NFL for 11 incredible years," Smith said. "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."
Smith also thanked fans "from every organization I represented," saying their support — and even their tough opinions — meant the world.
The timing came just shortly after the Eagles' loss to the Giants on Thursday night at MetLife Stadium. Smith had played in five games for Philadelphia, starting twice and collecting 1.5 sacks.
A fourth-round pick in 2015, Smith spent time with the Ravens, Packers, Vikings and Browns before finishing his career in Philly. He leaves the game with 60 career sacks — and a legacy built on effort, leadership, and a few quarterbacks who still remember what it felt like to face him.
