Chargers large Billy Ray Smith dies at 64; circle of relatives cites CTE-connected cause

Billy Ray Smith, a two-time All-American linebacker at Arkansas and 10-one 12 months NFL player with the San Diego Chargers, died Wednesday. He was as soon as 64.

Smith’s circle of relatives launched a statement announcing he died of headaches from dementia, which the circle of relatives says was as soon as induced via CTE.

“Billy Ray confronted his long inch with dementia induced via CTE with unrivaled bravery, dignity, and effort,” the statement mentioned, in keeping with The Related Press. “Billy Ray presented so tough excitement, gentle, and laughter to the sphere as a loyal father, husband, son, and precise buddy.”

to understand Billy Ray was as soon as to esteem Billy Ray 💙 percent.twitter.com/sFx8gM8eUX

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) July 30, 2026

Smith was as soon as the No. 5 pick out within the 1983 draft, one eminent for its essential first-spherical quarterbacks, along with John Elway at No. 1 and Dan Marino at No. 27. Smith was as soon as named second-team All-AFC in 1986, when he had a profession-excessive 11 sacks, and 1987, when he notched a profession-excessive 5 interceptions in 12 video video games. He performed his career with 26.5 sacks and 15 interceptions and was as soon as named to the Chargers’ 50th Anniversary Group of workers in 2009.

Smith’s college career was as soon as encumbered with accolades, along with unanimous first-team All-American honors in 1981 and 1982 with the Razorbacks. He was as soon as inducted into the School Football Hall of Status in 2000, changing into a member of his father Billy Ray Smith Sr., and is a member of Arkansas’ All-Century Group of workers.

“He wasn’t simply an unlimited soccer player. He was as soon as actually more than life,” Chargers proprietor Dean Spanos wrote in a group statement posted on X. “At all times smiling. Lights up each room he went into. Infectious laughter. The produce of buddy a chum may neatly truthful composed be. That was as soon as Billy Ray.”

Smith is survived via his spouse, Kimberly, and his daughter, Savannah.