Za'Darius Smith Opens Up on Sudden 2025 Retirement

Falcons defensive end Za'Darius Smith addressed his abrupt retirement during the 2025 season while with the Eagles for the first time. Smith confirmed the decision was driven by his mother's terminal illness, as he chose to step away from football to spend her final days with her. The veteran outside linebacker, who has since come out of retirement to join the Falcons, provided this clarification during his first press conference since returning to the league.