Among other things, the Cleveland Browns, where Smith spent one and a half of his eight years in the NFL, said goodbye to “one of the nicest people, teammates and friends we’ve had in the organization.”
Dominik Eberle, who already knew Smith from his NFL stints with the Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans and now played with Smith again in the XFL for the Seattle Sea Dragons, was deeply affected by this loss.
“He was the best father to his children and my thoughts are with them and his mother,” he said ran. “He was always helpful. And even when he wasn’t laughing, he always tried to talk about good things.” He also always talked about his family. I don’t know anyone who didn’t like him or had anything negative to say about him. A real role model.”
The sudden death of his teammate made him particularly sad. Although he announced on Wednesday that he didn’t feel well, “we thought it was something small”. However, when he missed the game, the team realized it was something more serious. After the game he was found in bed. “He wasn’t conscious. It took us a while to realize he passed away.”
Eberle: “Smith will always be part of the team”
It was a great loss for him personally, because because of their shared past, he was one of his best buddies, “who often helped me. He was very helpful when I was a rookie.”
But it is also a heavy blow for the team as a whole to lose a teammate. “In times like this, it becomes clear how precious life is and how much we should appreciate our fellow human beings.” That’s why the German, who has a contract with the Sea Dragons as a kicker, “contacted all his buddies and told them that I value them and they are important to me”.
Eberle is certain that the team will grow closer together as a result of this stroke of fate. And Smith will not be forgotten. “He will still be a part of the team, he will play every game above us and we will do everything for him and honor him.”
Dwayne Johnson also reacts to Smith tragedy
But Smith will not only be remembered in Seattle, the whole XFL mourns the defensive end. League co-owner Dwayne Rock also tweeted “heartbroken” after hearing the news. “Our entire XFL universe sends love, light and strength to the Smith family.”
But the Sea Dragons have little time to mourn. Head coach Jim Haslett’s team will face the Vegas Vipers in the last game of the regular season this weekend. In the narrow North Division, only a win helps to secure second place in the playoffs in the duel with the St. Louis Battlehawks.
