Smith explained that he received a call from his mother's physician informing him that she had a limited amount of time to live. Faced with the news, Smith chose to retire from the sport to be with his family. Following his departure from the league in October, Smith suffered further losses, including the deaths of his father and grandmother, a period he described as a time when he was in a dark place.
A return to the field in Atlanta
After navigating a difficult personal period, Smith expressed his desire to return to professional football. Although he held discussions with the Cleveland Browns—the team he played for during the 2023 and 2024 seasons—a deal did not materialize. The Falcons emerged as the ideal destination, particularly after the team faced personnel shortages with Jalon Walker sidelined by an ACL injury and James Pearce Jr. serving an eight-game suspension.
For Smith, the move to Atlanta carries deep personal significance. Beyond the professional opportunity, the location allows him to be closer to his home in Montgomery, Alabama. He noted that his late mother had always expressed a wish for him to play for the Falcons. In a tribute to her memory, Smith is organizing transportation for her church community to travel from Montgomery to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for home games.
Building connections and looking forward
Upon joining the Falcons, Smith found an immediate connection with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, who is also mourning the loss of his wife. Smith shared that their mutual understanding of grief helped them bond quickly after his arrival. The veteran pass rusher, who boasts 70.5 career sacks over 11 seasons, remains focused on his long-term goal of reaching 100 career sacks.
Reflecting on his recent transition, Smith expressed a renewed sense of joy. During a preseason victory against the Indianapolis Colts, he was seen celebrating on the field with his new teammates, a moment he attributed to a genuine return of happiness. Having signed a one-year, $6 million contract, Smith is now focused on contributing to the Falcons' defensive efforts as he continues his career.
