Who Was Billy Ray Smith Jr.? 5 Things to Know About the Former NFL Linebacker

Billy Ray Smith Jr., a former Chargers linebacker and sports broadcaster, died on July 29, 2026, at age 64. His family announced that his death followed a long battle with dementia caused by CTE. The former NFL player is remembered for his professional athletic career and his subsequent work in sports broadcasting. The announcement confirms the specific medical cause of death related to the degenerative brain disease following his tenure in the league.