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On Monday, Eagles OLB Z’Darius Smith announced his retirement from the NFL via Instagram.
The 11-year veteran, who signed a one-year deal for $9 million with Philadelphia on September 5, played in five games with the Eagles, where he recorded 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Smith, 33, who played for the Ravens, Packers, Vikings, Browns, Lions, and Eagles, finishes his career with 70.5 sacks in 145 regular-season games.
“I knew this day would come — but now that it’s here, I’m feeling so many emotions I never expected,” Smith said on Instagram.
“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. 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.”
With LB Nolan Smith out, the Eagles are a little thin on the edge, but coach Nick Sirianni is confident in the abilities of the team’s remaining players.
“Obviously, I found out this morning a little bit before you guys did,” Sirianni said. “I wish him the best, and I really enjoyed having him on this football team while he was on this football team. As far as my confidence in the guys there on that defensive line, a lot of confidence in them. A lot of guys that have played. Young guy in [OLB] Jalyx [Hunt] who’s continuing to get better each and every week. My confidence in him is so high. And then you’ve got guys that have played a lot of football, and I’m excited about those guys and continuing to help them get better within our schemes.
“So yeah, I like that position. I like the depth that we have at that position. Just the numbers of how they play now, it’d be distributed a little bit differently, but I have confidence in those guys and that group that we have going into this next game.”
The Eagles, who are on a two-game losing streak and travel to Minnesota to face the Vikings on Sunday, will miss Smith. Hopefully, guys like Azeez Ojulari, Hunt, Joshua Uche, and Patrick Johnson can step up because they will have greater roles with Smith’s retirement.