Former Kentucky Wildcat Za’Darius Smith has had a solid NFL career.
After spending two years at Kentucky, Smith was drafted in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, and since then, has been a three-time Pro Bowl selection, racking up 70.5 career sacks.
This offseason, Smith signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons, which came as a surprise to some after Smith abruptly retired last season while playing with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Smith recently opened up during a press conference about the reason for his sudden retirement last season.
Smith told reporters he received a call from his mother’s doctor last year and was told that his mother did not have much longer to live. In order to be able to leave to be with his mother during this time, his only option was to retire.
Smith’s mother ultimately passed away, and then his father and grandmother passed away soon after, leaving him in a dark place.
Smith ultimately decided to return to playing football and landed in Atlanta, playing for his former coach Kevin Stefanski and only a couple hours from his hometown of Montgomery, Alabama. In memory of his mother, Smith told reporters he plans to have two Greyhound buses transport members of his mother’s church to Atlanta for games this season.
I’ve always been a big fan of Za’Darius since his days of playing in Lexington, but this story makes me root for him even more. Hopefully he has a ton of success with the Falcons!
Tweet of the DayNEWS: Mark Mitchell's eligibility to play the upcoming season at Kentucky as an *intra-conference SEC transfer* is under renewed scrutiny and in doubt after SEC presidents reaffirmed their conference's policy on intra-league transfers, sources told CBS Sports. Cont. …
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) August 27, 2026One would have to imagine this will end up in court as well.
HeadlinesJeremy Jarmon explains why fans should be fired up for Will Stein’s changes – KSR
A lot of reason for optimism.
Moreno, Momcilovic among top 50 in new NBA Draft Big Board – Bleacher Report
Zoom Diallo also lands in the top 100.
NFL eliminating Pro Bowl Games – ESPN
The Pro Bowl dates back to 1938 in some fashion.
Could expanded NCAA Tournament lead to less job security for coaches? – CBS Sports
More teams making the tournament, more pressure to win.
Big 12 announces ban on professionals from returning – ESPN
The Big 12 follows the SEC and Big Ten.
Kuminga signing with Timberwolves – Bleacher Report
A miss for the Lakers.
Which college football coaches are on the hot seat? – Yahoo
Some big names and big programs could see changes.
NFL players that could be traded before Week 1 – CBS Sports
Could we see some QBs on the move?
Must-watch college football teams – SI
Which teams are you interested to watch this season?
TCU pulls newspaper’s credential after reporting on locker room incident – Yahoo
A wild story in Texas.
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