Za’Darius Smith has announced his retirement from the National Football League after 11 seasons in the league. What’s shocking is that the player who was just signed by the Philadelphia Eagles last month has only played five games for the two-time Super Bowl champions.
The announcement came after the franchise was stunned by the New York Giants on Thursday night with a 34-17 scoreline.
Why did Eagles’ Za'Darius Smith retire after just five games? Insider reveals
The retirement decision came in the middle of the NFL season, when the league is in its sixth week, and it has everyone wondering. Meanwhile, The Athletic's Dianna Russini has revealed the real reason behind the announcement. The decision is rather something personal which has nothing to do with the performance or form of the franchise.
As per Russini:
"I’m told Za’Darius Smith’s decision to retire is a personal one. It has nothing to do with the Eagles.”
Following his retirement in the middle of the 2025 NFL campaign, the Eagles are left with Joshua Uche, Azeez Ojulari, Jalyx Hunt and Patrick Johnson. It is to be seen who replaces the now-retired player as general manager Howie Roseman has some responsibility now.
The three-time Pro Bowl selection agreed to a one-year contract last month. It was rumoured that the 33-year-old had an interest in re-signing with the Detroit Lions in June; however, things did not go as planned, and he remained unsigned.