Former Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith Jr. dies at 64

Former San Diego Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith Jr., a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, died on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the age of 64. His family announced his passing in a statement, saying he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a lengthy battle with dementia they attribute to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

Smith spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Chargers after being selected with the fifth overall pick in the 1983 draft out of the University of Arkansas. A versatile and physical defender, he played in 126 games, recording 15 interceptions, 13 forced fumbles, and 26.5 sacks. His contributions earned him a place on the Chargers' 50th Anniversary Team, cementing his legacy as one of the franchise's standout defensive players. At Arkansas, he was a two-time All-American and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

Following his retirement from football, Smith remained a prominent figure in the San Diego community through a career in sports broadcasting. He served as sports director for the local ABC affiliate, KGTV, and co-hosted a long-running radio show while also providing national television coverage of...