It’s a shock to the entire football world. Chris Smith has been found dead. The Seattle Sea Dragons XFL player and ex-NFL star was universally loved. Teammate Dominik Eberle tells ran exclusively his impressions from on the scene.

Chris Smith is dead. The 31-year-old was found lifeless in his bed. The defensive lineman spent over eight years in the NFL, playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns.

Even in high school, he was one of North Carolina’s “Hometown Heroes.”

He played football until the end. This season he started in the XFL for the Seattle Sea Dragons and was one of the leaders of the squad, just like on the NFL teams. German kicker and teammate of Smith, Dominik Eberle,

XFL – Seattle Sea Dragons: sudden death of Chris Smith

The cause of death is not known yet. The passing therefore hits everyone very suddenly and unprepared.

Eberle, who trained with Smith on a daily basis – and knew him well in private – said of the incident, “It’s a very sad time. I was with Chris on the Raiders and Texans, too. He was one of my best buddies who helped me a lot. He was very helpful when I was a rookie. On Wednesday, he came in and said he wasn’t feeling well. He was sick. We thought it was something minor. But then when he was out for the game, we knew it was something bigger. When we came back, we found him lying on the bed in his room on Monday. He wasn’t conscious. It took us a while to realize he had passed away. We don’t know exactly the reasons and we’re trying to figure it out. “

pic.twitter.com/jeakslPetT

– XFL (@XFL2023) April 18, 2023

Dominik Eberle on his late friend Chris Smith

On the phone call with the XFL kicker, Eberle continued after a brief pause, visibly struck, “He was loved by everyone. To lose a teammate is indescribable. Everyone who was associated with him appreciated him. Also in the NFL. It’s incredibly sad news to come out of absolutely nowhere. He was a totally fit athlete who now just dies at 31. For reasons we don’t know. I’m stunned.”

When asked how to deal with such a situation now as a team, and how life can go on, the 26-year-old from Nuremberg replied, “At times like this, it becomes clear how precious life is and how much we should appreciate our fellow human beings. I contacted all my buddies and told them that I value them and that they are important to me. A tragic event like this will bond us closer. It’s a sad occasion, but it makes you appreciate what you have.”

He continued, “It’s a difficult situation. That’s how it goes sometimes. But it makes us move closer together, we are closer now. We told ourselves that now we want to celebrate the life that Chris had. For the sole reason that we loved him so much. His positivity was contagious. He was always willing to help. And even when he wasn’t laughing, he was always trying to talk about good events. He drew something positive out of every situation, no matter how bad. He also always talked about his family. I don’t know anyone who didn’t like him or had something negative to say about him. A real role model. He will still be a part of the team, he will play every game over us and we will do everything for him and honor him. He was the best father to his kids and my thoughts are with them and his mom. “

NFL world mourns the loss of Chris Smith

The tragedy also includes Chris Smith losing his girlfriend Petara Cordero in a car accident in 2019. Just weeks after she gave birth to a child. The NFL is also mourning and honoring Smith.

His former team, the Browns, wrote on Twitter, “Chris was one of the kindest and most courteous individuals we’ve ever had. Our thoughts are with those around him. “

We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Browns DE Chris Smith.

Chris was one of the kindest people, teammates and friends we’ve had in our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/K8HySW4erM

– Cleveland Browns (@Browns) April 18, 2023

The NFL posted an earlier mic’d up video of Smith to memorialize him:

A leader on the field, and a friend to all he played with.

Rest in peace Chris Smith. pic.twitter.com/Az6Bx3tyhf

– NFL Films (@NFLFilms) April 18, 2023

Tony Khan, the son of Jaguars owner Shahid Khan speaks of a “tragic loss” and hopes Smith and his girlfriend are now “united in heaven”:

Rest In Peace, Chris Smith.

Chris came to the Jaguars in 2014 and spent 3 years here. He was a great teammate and friend.

He suffered a tragic loss in 2019 when Petara, his girlfriend + mother of his child passed away in a vehicular accident.

I hope they’re reunited in Heaven

– Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) April 18, 2023

Drew Rosenhaus, Smith’s agent, confirmed the D-lineman’s death Tuesday and mourned:

Rest in Peace Chris. Condolences to all his family, friends and loved ones. We will miss you pic.twitter.com/alpUAeqIhY

– Drew Rosenhaus (@DrewJRosenhaus) April 18, 2023

Tight end David Njoku is heartbroken to have learned of the loss:

Rest in paradise Chris Smith. Hometown hero and a brother to everyone. Such a kind soul. This is Heartbreaking

– Chief David Njoku (@David_Njoku80) April 18, 2023

The Ravens, Jaguars and QB Russell Wilson also bid farewell to Smith

Statement from the Baltimore Ravens on Chris Smith: pic.twitter.com/9n52LSd4Gh

– Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 18, 2023

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Chris Smith. pic.twitter.com/VKTiHSTwE7

– Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) April 18, 2023