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Former San Diego Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith died this week at the age of 64, his family announced.
The family said Smith, a College Football Hall of Famer, “faced [a] long journey with dementia caused by CTE.”
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive, degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head impacts rather than a single injury, according to the Mayo Clinic.
More than 100 former NFL players have been posthumously diagnosed with CTE, according to a University of Utah study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma.
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Billy Ray Smith of the San Diego Chargers in action against the Miami Dolphins during Oct. 16, 1988, at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami. (Getty Images)
“Billy Ray brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the world as a devoted father, husband, son, and loyal friend,” the family said in a statement, adding that he fought his illness “with unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength.”
This year, the families of Aldon Smith, Steve McMichael and Claude Lemieux have all said the former athletes’ brains will be sent for CTE research. Smith’s cause of death is still pending, while Lemieux died by suicide by hanging and McMichael suffered from ALS.
Former running back Chris Johnson revealed earlier this year he, too, had been diagnosed with ALS.
Billy Ray Smith of the San Diego Chargers in action in 1988 at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, Calif. (Getty Images)
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CTE can only be officially diagnosed after death.
“To know Billy Ray was to love Billy Ray. Yes, he was a member of our 50th Anniversary team. Yes, he was a Charger for life, playing his entire 10-year career here,” Chargers owner Dean Spanos said in a statement. “But 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.
“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 added. “Our hearts are with his wife, Kimberly; daughter, Savannah; and the countless people whose lives were made just a little bit brighter because they had the privilege of knowing Billy Ray.”
Billy Ray Smith of the San Diego Chargers pursues the play against the Kansas City Chiefs Dec. 18, 1988, at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, Calif. (Getty Images)
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Smith played 10 seasons with the Chargers after being drafted with the No. 5 overall pick of the 1983 NFL draft out of Arkansas. He was named to the Chargers’ 50th anniversary team after racking up 15 career interceptions, 14 fumble recoveries and 13 forced fumbles.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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