Bills Legend Wins $30 Million Divorce Court Battle After Wife Tried to Seize Majority of Assets

Buffalo, NY – October 1, 2025

Another NFL legend has just scored a major victory — not on the field, but inside the courtroom. Bruce Smith, the iconic Buffalo Bills defensive end and NFL’s all-time sack leader, has prevailed in a bitter divorce settlement.

Smith, who earned an estimated $45–50 million in NFL salaries and bonuses from 1985–2003, has since expanded his wealth to more than $100 million through endorsements, business ventures, and licensing deals. But much of that fortune was at risk.

Court filings revealed that Smith’s wife, Carter Smith — whom he married after divorcing his first wife, Daniella, in 2006 — attempted to claim over 70% of their marital estate

. She also sought monthly alimony exceeding $120,000, alleging infidelity and neglect.

But Smith’s legal team uncovered forensic evidence showing Carter had funneled nearly $6 million from shared accounts into shell companies registered under relatives’ names. Large sums were also spent on luxury travel, jewelry, and private events — all without Bruce’s consent.

Judge William R. Matthews of the New York State Court ruled decisively in Smith’s favor, citing “deliberate concealment and dissipation of marital assets” by Carter. The ruling awarded Smith 50% of joint holdings

— valued around $60 million — and ordered Carter to return $3 million of misappropriated funds.

Most importantly, Smith avoided lifetime alimony. Instead, he will provide transitional support for just one year while Carter relocates and restructures her finances.

Speaking outside the courtroom, Smith said: “As a husband, I gave her trust and the best years of my life. But when someone tries to take everything you’ve worked for, you have no choice but to fight back. I believe in fairness — she deserves her share, but she cannot take it all.”

Legal experts say the decision sets a strong precedent for high-profile athlete divorces, where hidden assets and unfair claims are often in play. Fans on social media hailed Smith’s victory as “one more sack” in a legendary career of standing strong against adversity.

For Bills Mafia, the win resonates deeply. Bruce Smith built his name on toughness and resilience, and decades after his Hall of Fame induction, he has once again proven that champions rise when the pressure is highest.