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Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Za'Darius Smith announced his sudden retirement from the NFL after 11 seasons in a lengthy post shared on his Instagram account Monday (October 13).
Smith, 33, a three-time Pro Bowler, signed with the Eagles, his fifth team since 2021, last offseason.
"I knew this day would come — but now that it’s here, I’m feeling so many emotions I never expected," Smith wrote. "Who would’ve thought that a kid from Greenville, AL, with just one year of high school football experience, would go on to play professional football in the NFL for 11 incredible years!
"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.
"This career has taken me across the world — from earning my first passport stamp to visit countries I only saw on maps, to helping me start a foundation that gives back to my community. There have been challenges along the way, but the rewards have outweighed them all and helped me learn, grow, and evolve as a man."
Smith didn't provide details on why he suddenly decided to end his playing career in the Instagram caption. The 33-year-old made two starts and appeared in five of the Eagles' first six games in 2025, recording 10 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two tackles for loss and three QB hits.
Smith was selected by the Baltimore Ravens at No. 122 overall in the fourth-round of the 2015 NFL Draft and spent his first four seasons with the franchise. The former University of Kentucky standout signed with the Green Bay Packers in March 2019 and was a two-time Pro Bowler and a Second-team All-Pro during his three seasons with the team.
Smith signed with the NFC North Division rival Minnesota Vikings in 2022 and was a Pro Bowler during his lone season with the team before requesting and being granted a trade to the Cleveland Browns the following offseason. The veteran linebacker was traded to the Detroit Lions last November and released in March.