Billy Ray Smith, Jr., a former San Diego Chargers linebacker and college Hall of Famer, died on Wednesday at 64 years old following a "long journey with dementia caused by CTE,” according to his family.
In a statement, the family said Smith battled his condition with "unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength."
CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is a slow brain disease caused by repeated blows to the head, often from contact sports or military combat, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The six-foot-three, 235-pound linebacker was selected fifth overall by the San Diego Chargers in the 1983 NFL Draft.
Smith spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the franchise, wearing jersey number 54 and totaling 26.5 sacks, 15 interceptions, and 13 forced fumbles in 126 games, becoming one of the team's greatest defensive linebackers.
After retiring from professional football, Smith transitioned into broadcasting, joining KGTV, San Diego, as sports director in 1993. He worked as a television sports anchor, radio host, and football analyst while providing NFL and college football coverage for local television and Fox Sports.
"Billy Ray brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the world as a devoted father, husband, son, and loyal friend," the family said. "On the NFL gridiron for a decade with the Chargers, and decades that followed in sports broadcasting, Billy Ray earned deep respect from teammates, colleagues, and fans, who he cherished in return."
Beyond the football field, Smith was also a philanthropist and known for his generous charitable service to various organizations, such as the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. He also served as co-founder of the Great Friends Foundation, which raised funds and helped support military families in San Diego.
Prior to his NFL career, Smith attended Plano Senior High School in Texas, where he helped lead the team to a Texas Class 4A state championship. He then followed in the footsteps of his father, Super Bowl champion Billy Ray Smith Sr., by attending the University of Arkansas. He then established himself as one of the nation's greatest college defensive players, earning unanimous All-American honors twice and matching his father's collegiate achievement.
He leaves behind his wife, news anchor Kimberly Hunt, and their daughter, Savannah.