Former Kentucky Wildcat Za’Darius Smith has had a solid NFL career.
After spending two years at Kentucky, Smith was drafted in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, and since then, has been a three-time Pro Bowl selection, racking up 70.5 career sacks.
This offseason, Smith signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons, which came as a surprise to some after Smith abruptly retired last season while playing with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Smith recently opened up during a press conference about the reason for his sudden retirement last season.
Smith told reporters he received a call from his mother’s doctor last year and was told that his mother did not have much longer to live. In order to be able to leave to be with his mother during this time, his only option was to retire.
Smith’s mother ultimately passed away, and then his father and grandmother passed away soon after, leaving him in a dark place.
Smith ultimately decided to return to playing football and landed in Atlanta, playing for his former coach Kevin Stefanski and only a couple hours from his hometown of Montgomery, Alabama. In memory of his mother, Smith told reporters he plans to have two Greyhound buses transport members of his mother’s church to Atlanta for games this season.
I’ve always been a big fan of Za’Darius since his days of playing in Lexington, but this story makes me root for him even more. Hopefully he has a ton of success with the Falcons!
One would have to imagine this will end up in court as well.
A lot of reason for optimism.
Zoom Diallo also lands in the top 100.
The Pro Bowl dates back to 1938 in some fashion.
More teams making the tournament, more pressure to win.
The Big 12 follows the SEC and Big Ten.
Some big names and big programs could see changes.
Could we see some QBs on the move?
Which teams are you interested to watch this season?
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