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Eagles Star Linebacker Announces Retirement from the NFL as a Member of the Philadelphia Eagles

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After more than a decade of dominating offensive lines and leaving his mark on every defense he played for, one of the league’s most respected veterans has decided to call it a career.

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The Philadelphia Eagles confirmed this morning that veteran linebacker Za’Darius Smith has officially announced his retirement from the NFL, closing the book on an 11-year career defined by grit, leadership, and relentless effort.

Smith, who joined the Eagles in the offseason and quickly became a leader both on and off the field, shared the news in an emotional video message on his Instagram, thanking teammates, coaches, and fans who supported him throughout his journey.

“I came into this league as a kid with a dream and I’m leaving as a man who lived it,” Smith said. “Football gave me everything — the highs, the heartbreaks, the lessons. But now it’s time to give my body and my family the love and attention they deserve.”

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Originally drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2015, Smith went on to play for the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, and most recently the Philadelphia Eagles. Across 11 seasons, he racked up 58.5 career sacks, 375 total tackles, and 12 forced fumbles, earning two Pro Bowl selections and recognition as one of the most feared edge rushers of his era.

In Philadelphia, Smith quickly became a locker room favorite — known for his mentorship of younger defenders like Nolan Smith Jr. and Jihaad Campbell. Coaches praised his work ethic and positive energy, describing him as “the kind of player who makes everyone better just by being in the room.”

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni reacted to the news by calling Smith’s legacy “a blueprint for professionalism and toughness.”

“Z’s impact went far beyond the field,” Sirianni said. “He taught our young guys what accountability looks like. He was a warrior every single day, and we’ll miss his presence deeply.”

As the Eagles prepare to move forward, Smith’s absence will certainly be felt — but his influence will remain a part of the team’s culture for years to come.

Jason Witten Joins the Game’s Greatest: Officially Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame 2025
Jason Witten Joins the Game’s Greatest — Officially Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame 2025 Jason Witten — the Dallas Cowboys icon and one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history — has officially taken his rightful place among football’s immortals as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The ceremony in Canton, Ohio wasn’t just about honoring a player’s numbers. It was a celebration of everything Witten embodied throughout nearly two decades in the league — toughness, humility, consistency, and an unwavering devotion to the game. Few players in NFL history have represented the spirit of the sport more completely than No. 82. From his early days at Tennessee to 17 remarkable seasons in Dallas, Witten’s career was built not on flash but on discipline, grit, and reliability. Drafted in the third round in 2003, he quickly became the heartbeat of “America’s Team.” Even through injuries — broken jaw, sprains, endless hits — Witten refused to sit out. For him, wearing the star wasn’t a privilege; it was a promise. On the field, the numbers tell part of the story: over 13,000 receiving yards, more than 1,200 catches, 11 Pro Bowl selections, and countless clutch moments that defined Cowboys football for a generation. But what truly set Witten apart was his presence — the quiet leadership, the work ethic, the relentless preparation that made everyone around him better. He wasn’t the loudest voice in the locker room, but his actions spoke volumes. First to arrive, last to leave, Witten set a standard for what it meant to be a professional. For younger players, he was both mentor and example — a model of what dedication looks like at the highest level of competition. Off the field, Witten’s legacy extends just as far. Through his foundation, he’s fought against domestic violence and supported families in need, turning personal conviction into meaningful impact. To teammates, coaches, and fans, he’s not just a Hall of Famer — he’s a man of principle. During the emotional induction ceremony, Witten stood before his bronze bust — a lifetime of work captured in a single moment — and reflected on the journey that brought him there. He thanked his family, coaches, teammates, and the fans of Dallas who stood by him through every triumph and setback. “Greatness isn’t built overnight,” Witten said. “It’s earned every day — through faith, sacrifice, and consistency.” That quote captures everything about Jason Witten’s story. His greatness wasn’t explosive; it was steady. It wasn’t loud; it was lasting. In an era defined by highlights and headlines, Witten’s legacy reminds us that true greatness endures through resilience, humility, and doing the right thing — day after day. For the Dallas Cowboys, Witten’s name now joins the legends — Staubach, Aikman, Smith — as one of the defining figures in franchise history. His bust in Canton will forever stand as a symbol of what it means to give everything to the game, and to the star on your helmet. Jason Witten didn’t just play football.He honored it.