Three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Za’Darius Smith stepped away last year after losing three family members

Within months of abruptly stepping away from the NFL last season, Za’Darius Smith lost his mother, his grandmother, and his father in rapid succession.

Now, after navigating unimaginable grief, the three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher is back on the field, using football as his sanctuary with the Atlanta Falcons.

After playing for six different franchises across 11 seasons, the 33-year-old was ready to hang up his cleats when he left the Philadelphia Eagles mid-season in October 2025.

FALCONS COACH KEVIN STEFANSKI MAY POACH FORMER PRO BOWL PASS RUSHER FROM BROWNS TEAM THAT FIRED HIM

Za’Darius Smith #55 of the Minnesota Vikings anticipates a play during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 01, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Vikings 41-17. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith (99) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. (Eric Hartline-Imagn Images)

But when Atlanta came calling, Smith was navigating a heavy personal trial that ultimately brought him back to the game.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Smith opened up about heartbreak, healing, and his return to the field.

“I was in a dark place,” Smith said.

He visited with the Cleveland Browns before reaching a deal with Atlanta, his seventh NFL team, saying football served as a much-needed outlet during a brutal stretch.

Smith’s signing gives Atlanta needed pass-rushing reinforcement following a season-ending ACL injury to Jalon Walker and an eight-game suspension for James Pearce Jr.

FALCONS SELECTED TWO PASS RUSHERS IN NFL’S 2025 DRAFT AND NEITHER MIGHT BE AVAILABLE TO START 2026

“This is my happy place,” Smith said. “Come back, play football. I was in a dark place, but, you know, coming out, running out on the field, the fans, not just the fans, man, the joy that I get from winning and just getting sacks.”

“My mom, rest her soul, man, she always wanted me to be in Atlanta with the Falcons.”

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Za’Darius Smith (52) guestures to fans prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sept. 14, 2025. (Jay Biggerstaff/Imagn Images)

Since entering the league in 2015, the defensive end has put up consistently strong production, tallying 343 total tackles, 70.5 sacks, 16 pass deflections, 10 forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. Smith will turn 34 near the start of the season.

VON MILLER SIGNS WITH COWBOYS IN HOMECOMING MOVE FOR 2-TIME SUPER BOWL CHAMPION: ‘LET’S MAKE THIS ONE SPECIAL’

Speaking on his career sack count, Smith added: “Now I’m trying to reach 100. However I need to do that, I’m going to try.”

“I’m happy to be in Atlanta.”

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Send us your thoughts: [email protected] / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela