(WLUK) — Longtime NFL pass rusher Za’Darius Smith, whose career included three seasons with the Green Bay Packers, says he is retiring.
Smith made the announcement on Instagram Monday. In his post, he thanked coaches, teammates, opponents and fans.
“As I step into the newest season of my life, please know this game has meant the world to me,” he wrote. “The lessons learned on and off the field will stay with me forever.”
Smith recorded 1 1/2 sacks in five games for the Philadelphia Eagles this season.
Smith signed with the Packers as a free agent in 2019 after playing his first four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. In 33 games with Green Bay, he recorded 26 sacks and recovered two fumbles.
Smith was limited to one game in 2021, his final season with the Packers as he dealt with a back injury. He later criticized the Packers organization for what he thought was poor treatment during that season.
In an 11-year career, Smith also played for the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions. He recorded 70 1/2 sacks and two fumble recoveries in his career.