Amid locker room turmoil and back-to-back losses, Za'Darius Smith’s sudden retirement shocks the league — and prompts an Eagles legend to speak out.
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Just hours after the Philadelphia Eagles’ second straight loss, the NFL was stunned as Za'Darius Smith abruptly announced his retirement on social media. Though not sidelined by injury and still performing at a high level in his 10th season, Smith said he wanted to “focus on family and mental health.”
The timing, however, couldn’t be more controversial. The Eagles are reeling from back-to-back losses, reports of locker room tension are swirling, and questions are mounting about the team’s leadership and morale.
According to Sportskeeda, an Eagles legend voiced concern over Smith’s sudden departure, saying: “The timing makes no sense… you don’t walk away in the middle of a storm unless something’s truly wrong inside.” The comment quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions from fans across the league.
While some praised Smith for prioritizing his well-being, others criticized the move as “abandoning ship” when the team needed him most. On social media, #ThankYouZaDarius and #FlyEaglesFly trended simultaneously — capturing the emotional divide among the Eagles faithful.
The team has yet to issue an official statement on how it plans to fill Smith’s absence, as head coach Nick Sirianni focuses on keeping his locker room steady heading into next week’s matchup.
Was Za'Darius Smith’s retirement an act of courage or a symptom of deeper trouble in Philly? Share your thoughts below and explore official NFL gear and Eagles merchandise now at [SHOP NOW].