{"id":374579,"date":"2026-07-31T06:26:19","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T00:56:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ebiztoday.news\/?p=374579"},"modified":"2026-07-31T06:26:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T00:56:19","slug":"ex-nfl-star-billy-ray-smith-jr-dead-after-dementia-battle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ebiztoday.news\/index.php\/2026\/07\/31\/ex-nfl-star-billy-ray-smith-jr-dead-after-dementia-battle\/","title":{"rendered":"Ex NFL Star Billy Ray Smith Jr. Dead After Dementia Battle"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Former San Diego Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith Jr.<\/strong> died on Wednesday, July 29, following a bout with what his family called CTE-caused dementia. He was 64.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s with profound sadness that we share the lack of our beloved Billy Ray Smith Jr., who passed away peacefully surrounded by family,\u201d read an announcement from his family, shared with the Associated Press<\/em><\/a>. \u201cBilly Ray faced his long journey with dementia attributable to CTE with unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength. Billy Ray brought a lot joy, light, and laughter to the world as a faithful father, husband, son, and constant friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is a progressive brain disease attributable to repeated head trauma that may only be diagnosed after death, so it has not been officially confirmed because the explanation for his dementia. CTE, nonetheless, is disproportionately common amongst former football players in comparison with the remainder of the population, and dementia is strongly linked to the condition, in keeping with the National Institutes of Health<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Related: <\/span>Former Eagles Player Died of Head Trauma, Stab Wounds in Apparent Homicide<\/span>
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\n\t\t\tFormer Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Kevin Johnson died at age 55 of \u201cblunt head trauma and stab wounds,\u201d the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has determined. His death is being investigated as a homicide. Johnson was found dead on Wednesday, January 21, at a homeless encampment in Los Angeles after officers responded to a report [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Smith played 10 seasons within the NFL, from 1983 to 1992, all with the Chargers. He was named to the franchise\u2019s fiftieth anniversary team in 2009 with profession highlights including 15 profession interceptions, 14 fumble recoveries and 13 forced fumbles. The primary-round pick of Arkansas can also be a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n

A second-generation NFL player, Smith Jr.\u2019s father, Billy Ray Smith Sr.<\/strong>, played within the NFL for 3 teams from 1957 to 1970.<\/p>\n

After he retired, Smith Jr. turned to broadcasting, hosting a drive-time radio show and becoming the sports director at San Diego\u2019s ABC affiliate. He later worked for Fox Sports on its college football coverage.<\/p>\n

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