Former San Diego Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith Jr. died on Wednesday, July 29, following a bout with what his family called CTE-caused dementia. He was 64.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of our beloved Billy Ray Smith Jr., who passed away peacefully surrounded by family,” read a statement from his family, shared with the Associated Press. “Billy Ray faced his long journey with dementia caused by CTE with unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength. Billy Ray brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the world as a devoted father, husband, son, and loyal friend.”
CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is a progressive brain disease caused by repeated head trauma that can only be diagnosed after death, so it has not been officially confirmed as the cause of his dementia. CTE, however, is disproportionately common among former football players compared to the rest of the population, and dementia is strongly linked to the condition, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Smith played 10 seasons in the NFL, from 1983 to 1992, all with the Chargers. He was named to the franchise’s 50th anniversary team in 2009 with career highlights including 15 career interceptions, 14 fumble recoveries and 13 forced fumbles. The first-round pick out of Arkansas is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
A second-generation NFL player, Smith Jr.’s father, Billy Ray Smith Sr., played in the NFL for three teams from 1957 to 1970.
After he retired, Smith Jr. turned to broadcasting, hosting a drive-time radio show and becoming the sports director at San Diego’s ABC affiliate. He later worked for Fox Sports on its college football coverage.
“To know Billy Ray was to love Billy Ray,” Chargers owner and chairman Dean Spanos said in a statement shared via X. “He wasn’t merely a great football player. He was, truly, larger than life. Always smiling. Lighting up every room he walked into. Infectious laughter. The kind of friend a friend should be. That was Billy Ray.”
The statement continued, “When someone who brought so much positivity into the world leaves us, it’s hard to process. Hard to accept. That’s how I feel right now, and I know I’m not alone.”
“Billy Ray loved his family, loved the Chargers, loved his teammates, loved his community and loved helping those in need. And we all loved him back,” Spanos, 76, wrote. “Our hearts are with his wife, Kimberly, daughters Savannah, and the countless people whose lives were made just a little bit brighter because they had the privilege of knowing Billy Ray.”
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