Former NFL player, West Rowan football star Chris Smith dies at 31

By WCNC Charlotte

Salisbury, N.C. — A former West Rowan High School defensive football standout and NFL player has died, WCNC Charlotte reports.

Chris Smith, 31, a Salisbury native, graduated from West Rowan High School in 2010 and was a star defensive end on the team.

Smith started games all four years with the Razorbacks at the University of Arkansas.

Smith was then selected in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Smith stayed with the Jaguars for three seasons.

Smith also spent time with the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and Houston Texans from 2018 to 2021. He signed with the Carolina Panthers in 2020 but only appeared on the practice squad.

"Chris was a better person than he was player! The impact he had on those around him will be remembered forever," West Rowan wrote on Twitter.

The cause of death was not provided.