Chargers Legend Billy Ray Smith Jr. Dies at 64 After CTE Battle

Former San Diego Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith Jr. has passed away at age 64 following a struggle with CTE-caused dementia.

Billy Ray Smith Jr., the fifth overall selection in the 1983 NFL Draft, has died at age 64 following a prolonged struggle with dementia linked to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). The former San Diego Chargers linebacker spent his entire 10-season professional career with the franchise, appearing in 126 games between 1983 and 1992. His defensive production included 15 interceptions, 14 fumble recoveries, and 13 forced fumbles, metrics that solidified his placement on the Chargers’ 50th anniversary team. The Smith family confirmed his passing occurred on Wednesday, July 30, 2026, noting he was surrounded by relatives at the time of his death.

Key details

Before his decade in the NFL, Smith was a dominant force at the University of Arkansas, where he earned consensus All-American honors in both 1981 and 1982. He recorded 299 career tackles for the Razorbacks, a performance that led to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000. His collegiate legacy mirrored that of his father, Billy Ray Smith Sr., a defensive tackle who played 13 seasons for the Rams, Steelers, and Colts. This multi-generational success established the Smith name as a cornerstone of Arkansas football history, beginning with his early years at Plano Senior High School in Texas.

Following his retirement from the gridiron, the linebacker transitioned into a prominent media figure within the San Diego market. He served as the sports director for the local ABC affiliate and co-hosted a popular afternoon radio show on XEPRS-AM. His broadcasting reach extended to national platforms, where he provided color commentary for college football games on various networks. This second career allowed him to remain a visible and influential voice in the sporting community for over three decades after hanging up his cleats.

Dean Spanos, owner of the Chargers, released a statement describing the former player as a "larger than life" personality whose impact extended far beyond his physical presence on the field. The organization’s official social media channels paid tribute to the No. 5 pick, emphasizing his loyalty to the San Diego community. His diagnosis of CTE-related dementia highlights the ongoing medical concerns regarding repetitive head trauma in contact sports, a condition that currently requires post-mortem analysis for definitive confirmation.

Latest developments

The family’s public announcement characterized the athlete as a man of immense bravery who faced his cognitive decline with significant fortitude. They highlighted his roles as a devoted husband, father, and son, noting that his strength remained evident throughout his medical journey. The Associated Press and ESPN News Services reported the news of his passing, marking the end of an era for a player who was twice named the Chargers' Most Valuable Player during his tenure.

Smith’s statistical peak occurred during the mid-1980s, a period where he became one of the most feared outside linebackers in the AFC. His ability to disrupt offensive schemes through both pass coverage and run support made him a perennial standout. Even as the franchise underwent various coaching changes, he remained a consistent starter and a defensive captain. His 1983 rookie class remains one of the most celebrated in league history, and his high draft position reflected the immense expectations he successfully met over 126 professional appearances.

Medical experts note that CTE is a degenerative brain disease often found in athletes with a history of sub-concussive hits. Symptoms frequently include mood swings, memory loss, and progressive dementia, all of which the Smith family alluded to in their description of his final years. By sharing the specific cause of his condition, the family contributes to the growing transparency regarding the long-term health risks associated with professional football. The San Diego sports landscape loses a figure who was not only a statistical leader but a central pillar of the city's athletic identity for nearly forty years.