Former San Diego Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith died this week at the age of 64, his family announced. The family stated that Smith, a College Football Hall of Famer, "faced [a] long journey with dementia caused by CTE."
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive brain disease associated with repeated head impacts, according to the Mayo Clinic. A University of Utah study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma indicated that more than 100 former NFL players have been diagnosed with CTE posthumously.
"Billy Ray brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the world as a devoted father, husband, son, and loyal friend," the family said in a statement. "He fought his illness with unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength."
Smith played his entire 10-year NFL career with the Chargers after being selected as the No. 5 overall pick in the 1983 NFL draft out of Arkansas. He was recognized as part of the Chargers' 50th Anniversary team for his contributions, which included 15 career interceptions, 14 fumble recoveries, and 13 forced fumbles.
Chargers owner Dean Spanos remembered Smith as "larger than life" and a positive presence. "When someone who brought so much positivity into the world leaves us, it's hard to process. Hard to accept," Spanos said. "Our hearts are with his wife, Kimberly, daughter, Savannah and the countless people whose lives were made just a little bit brighter because they had the privilege of knowing Billy Ray."
Other former athletes whose families have recently announced their brains will be sent for CTE research include Aldon Smith, Steve McMichael, and Claude Lemieux. Smith's cause of death is pending, while Lemieux died by suicide, and McMichael suffered from ALS. Former running back Chris Johnson also revealed earlier this year that he has been diagnosed with ALS.