Falcons’ Za’Darius Smith Reveals Mother’s Health Factored into His Retirement: ‘Was in a Dark Place’

Za’Darius Smith, a former Philadelphia Eagles player, held an emotional press conference on September 21, 2025, in Philadelphia to discuss his surprising retirement from the NFL during the previous season. Tears streamed down his face as he recounted the personal struggles that led him to walk away from the game he loves.

At 33 years old, Smith recently signed with the Atlanta Falcons, marking his return to professional football. The press conference was his first opportunity to address his departure from the NFL, a move he described as unavoidable due to a series of devastating personal losses. Smith spoke candidly about his mental state following family bereavements, revealing how difficult it was for him to manage both grief and the pressures of professional sport.

“I wasn’t supposed to retire,” he stated, reflecting on how the health of his mother deteriorated prior to his abrupt decision to leave the Eagles. The rigorous demands of the football season, coupled with emotional turmoil, forced Smith into a position where he felt that quitting was the only option. He said, “I received a phone call from my mother’s doctor telling me that she didn’t have much longer to be on this Earth.”

Smith’s retirement came shortly after he lost his mother, and tragically, he would soon lose both his grandmother and father as well. “After losing my mum, I lost my grandma. Then after my grandma, I just lost my dad, so you all obviously know what I’ve been through,” he continued, his voice breaking with emotion.

Despite these profoundly challenging events, Smith never lost his passion for football. He shared that he kept training, even accepting an opportunity to work out with the Cleveland Browns. However, due to financial disagreements, that potential deal fell through. It was only when the Falcons reached out to him that Smith felt a renewed sense of purpose. “When the Falcons called, I thought it was perfect,” he said, emphasising the importance of being close to his roots in Alabama.

Now, as he prepares for a new chapter in Atlanta, Smith expressed deep relief and happiness. “This is my happy place, coming back to play football,” he said, his emotions surfacing again. He described the joy he feels while playing the sport, especially the thrill of running onto the field and celebrating victories with fans. “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,” he explained.

Smith’s vulnerability during the press conference highlighted not only his affection for football but also his enduring strength in the face of adversity. His journey emphasises the often unseen struggles professional athletes face beyond the stadium lights and cheers. As he begins this new chapter with the Falcons, there is hope that Smith may use his platform to inspire others grappling with loss and mental health challenges.

Smith’s return to the NFL signifies more than just a comeback; it represents resilience and the healing power of passion. As the season approaches, both fans and teammates anticipate his contributions on the field, eager to witness the joy that football brings him after such a tumultuous period in his life. The Falcons, aware of Smith’s story, will surely rally behind him as he seeks to reclaim both his career and his happiness.