Billy Ray Smith Jr, ex-San Diego Chargers star, dies at 64 as family cites CTE | NFL

Former San Diego Chargers linebacker and College Football Hall of Famer Billy Ray Smith Jr has died. He was 64.

Smith’s family said in a statement Wednesday that Smith died following a bout with 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.”

Smith played 10 seasons with the Chargers after being selected with the No 5 overall pick of the 1983 NFL draft out of Arkansas. He was named to the Chargers’ 50th anniversary team after racking up 15 career interceptions, 14 fumble recoveries and 13 forced fumbles.

Smith became the sports director at the ABC affiliate in San Diego following his playing career and was co-host of a long-running radio show while covering college and professional football for national TV broadcasts.

Smith was a two-time All-American at Arkansas and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000. He starred at Plano Senior High School in Texas.

His father, Billy Ray Smith Sr, also played at Arkansas and in the NFL from 1957 to 1970 with the Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Colts.

CTE is a degenerative brain disease that has been found in athletes in contact sports, combat veterans and others who experience repetitive head trauma. It has been known to cause violent mood swings, impulsive behavior and depression. It can be diagnosed only after death.