Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Za’Darius Smith announced his retirement Monday on Instagram.
The 33-year-old three-time Pro Bowl selection is six weeks into his 11th NFL season, his first with the Eagles (4-2).
“I knew this day would come — but now that it’s here, I’m feeling so many emotions I never expected,” he wrote.
Smith recorded 10 tackles, three quarterback hits and 1.5 sacks in five games (two starts) this season. He played only 17 defensive snaps in last Thursday’s 34-17 loss to the New York Giants.
For his career, Smith collected 70.5 sacks, 343 tackles, 10 forced fumbles and 16 passes defensed in 145 games (98 starts) for the Baltimore Ravens (2015-18), Green Bay Packers (2019-21), Minnesota Vikings (2022), Cleveland Browns (2023-24), Detroit Lions (2024) and Eagles.
Smith recorded a career-high 13.5 sacks with the Packers in 2019 and followed it up with 12.5 more in 2020.
“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!” Smith posted.
“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.
“… 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.”
The Ravens drafted Smith in the fourth round out of Kentucky in 2015.
Smith signed a one-year, $4.25 million deal with the Eagles on Sept. 5 that included a $2.25 million signing bonus.
The Philadelphia defense has tallied nine sacks through six games this season. The Eagles will try to snap their two-game losing streak on Sunday against the host Minnesota Vikings (3-2).
