Billy Ray Smith Jr., former Chargers LB and College Football Hall of Famer, dies at 64

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Longtime San Diego Chargers linebacker Bill Ray Smith Jr. has died, his family announced. He was 64.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Smith’s family said that the College Football Hall of Famer had been dealing CTE-caused dementia.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of our beloved Billy Ray Smith Jr., who passed away peacefully surrounded by family,” the statement said. “Billy Ray faced his long journey with dementia caused by CTE with unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength. Billy Ray brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the world as a devoted father, husband, son, and loyal friend.”

A degenerative brain disease, CTE has often been found in those who played contact sports, such as football, and others who have experience repetitive head trauma. It’s known to cause cognitive decline, depression and violent mood swings.

Smith, the fifth overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft, played all 10 of his NFL seasons with the Chargers from 1983-1992. He was a Second-team All-Pro in 1989 and was named to the franchise’s 50th Anniversary Team in 2009.

“To know Billy Ray was to love Billy Ray. Yes, he was a member of our 50th Anniversary team. Yes, he was a Charger for life, playing his entire 10-year career here,” said Chargers owner Dean Spanos in a statement. “But he wasn’t merely a great football player. He was, truly, larger than life. Always smiling. Lighting up every room he walked into. Infectious laughter. The kind of friend a friend should be. That was Billy Ray.”

to know Billy Ray was to love Billy Ray 💙 pic.twitter.com/sFx8gM8eUX

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) July 30, 2026

After helping Plano Senior High School to the Texas Class 4A state championship, Smith played for Lou Holtz at Arkansas. The linebacker was a two-time unanimous All-American and later part of the program’s All-Decade Team and All-Century Team.

In 2000, Smith was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Following his playing career, Smith became the sports director for ABC’s affiliate in San Diego. He also hosted a radio show and covered college and professional football on television.