Za’Darius Smith is back in the NFL, but let’s be clear: this move isn’t about a paycheck or a roster spot. The 34-year-old pass rusher officially retired last October after playing just five games for the Philadelphia Eagles, a decision that left plenty of fans scratching their heads. Yahoo Sports reported that Smith walked away after his mother’s physician called with grim news about her remaining time. He needed to be there to love and care for her before she passed, and that’s the only reason he hung up the cleats.
Tragedy didn’t just knock; it kicked the door down for the Kentucky alum shortly after his mother died. His grandmother and father passed away in the same period, leaving the veteran in a very dark place emotionally. Yet, the pull of Atlanta remained strong because of a specific wish from his late mother. “My mom—rest her soul, man,” Smith told an interviewer recently, revealing that she always wished for him to be in Atlanta with the Falcons. This personal connection turns a standard free-agent signing into a homecoming story that hits deep for anyone who knows the weight of family.
From Dark Days to Happy Place
The Falcons signed Smith not just for his three Pro Bowl selections, but for the fire he claims has returned to his game. He admits he was struggling mentally before deciding to come out of retirement and play again. “But yeah, this is my happy place, man. Come back, play football. I was in a dark place,” Smith explained, noting that the joy of winning and getting sacks is what drives him now. The fans in Atlanta know what it feels like to suffer through heartbreak, but they also know the relief that comes when a player truly believes in the team.
Smith turns 34 in early September, an age where many pass rushers start to fade or lose their burst. However, his career numbers suggest he still has plenty of gas left in the tank. The former Eagle has recorded 343 tackles over his career and is looking to add to that total. He is not hiding his age or his past struggles; instead, he is using them as fuel to reach a specific milestone that has eluded him for years.
Chasing the Century Mark
The primary goal for Smith this season is clear and simple: he wants to reach 100 career sacks. When he walked away from the game last year, he sat at 70.5 sacks, leaving a massive gap to close. “When I retired, I think I had 70 sacks, man, so now I’m trying to reach a hundred,” Smith said, adding that any way he can get to that number would be good. This is a bold target for a player coming off a break, but his coach’s advice from high school still rings true today.
Smith admits he started playing late in high school and did not know how to play football until his senior year. His coach gave him one simple instruction that changed his entire career path: “go get the quarterbacks.” Smith has followed that advice ever since, and now he is back in Atlanta to finish the job. “I can see this as my happy place,” he said, signaling that the Falcons’ defense might finally have the edge rusher they needed for years. The team gets a hungry player with a personal reason to win, and that is a combination that wins games in the NFL.
