Za'Darius Smith has announced his retirement from the NFL after playing just six games for Philadelphia
15:14 ET, 13 Oct 2025Updated 15:15 ET, 13 Oct 2025
Za'Darius Smith has announced that he will be retiring from the NFL.
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Za'Darius Smith has announced that he will be retiring from the NFL.(Image: 2025 Cooper Neill)
Veteran defensive end Za'Darius Smith has declared his retirement from the NFL after participating in just six games for the Philadelphia Eagles this season.
At 33, Smith was in his 11th NFL season and had assumed a bigger role in Philadelphia than anticipated this season. His last appearance was in Week 6, when the Eagles endured a harsh 34-17 defeat to the New York Giants.
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The victory was a significant boost for New York, which has seen a resurgence of confidence following strong performances from rookie duo Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo. However, it marked the second consecutive loss for Philadelphia.
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The Eagles were already in need of more pass rushers, but now face the mid-season departure of Smith due to his unexpected retirement.
Smith announced his retirement on Instagram on Monday. "I knew this day would come - but now that it's here, I'm feeling so many emotions I never expected," he penned.
"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.
Smith last played for the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday during a defeat to the New York Giants.
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Smith last played for the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday during a defeat to the New York Giants.(Image: 2025 Kevin Sabitus)
"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 ...'For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required...' – Luke 12:48.
"And 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.
"Love, Z."
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Smith had 1.5 sacks this season and last played for the Eagles against the Giants on Oct. 9. The reason for Smith's sudden retirement is unknown, but according to NFL insider Dianni Russini, it's a personal decision and has nothing to do with Philadelphia.
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The Baltimore Ravens selected Smith in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Kentucky. Smith had 5.5 sacks in his rookie season, but his breakout year came in 2018.
After a standout performance in the final year of his rookie contract, Smith inked a four-year, $66 million deal with the Green Bay Packers and had the best season of his career in 2019.
Before joining the Eagles this past offseason, Smith also had stints with the Minnesota Vikings, the Cleveland Browns, and the Lions.