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Former Vikings Pass Rusher Shockingly Retires
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- Former Vikings Pass Rusher Shockingly Retires
Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings have gone through a couple different iterations of their pass rush in recent seasons. They landed on Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel last season and the edge tandem has performed well for Brian Flores.
Before either of them got to Minnesota though, there was the reclamation project named Za'Darius Smith. Following three seasons in Green Bay, the final of which he played in just one game due to injury, Smith wanted a crack at his former employer.
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After a successful season with the Vikings , Smith wanted a trade and has spent the last three seasons elsewhere . Now he has called it a career.
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Za'Darius Smith abruptly quits the NFL
This offseason Za'Darius Smith signed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles . He was coming off a 2024 in which he spent time with both Cleveland and Detroit . Just five games into the season with Philadelphia, he's now walking away from the game.
Breaking: Three-time pro-bowl DE Za'Darius Smith announced he is retiring from the NFL after 11 seasons. pic.twitter.com/TabaQ0BsCc
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 13, 2025
I knew this day would come — but now that it's here, I'm feeling so many emotions I never expected.
Who would've thought that a kid from Greenville, AL, with just one year of high school football experience, would go on to play professional football in the NFL for 11 incredible years!
This game has given me the opportunity to meet great coaches, compete alongside some of the best players ever, and represent some of the greatest organizations in the league. Football has transformed my life and my family's lives forever — and for that, I'm forever grateful.
This career has taken me across the world — from earning my first passport stamp to visit countries I only saw on maps, to helping me start a foundation that gives back to my community. There have been challenges along the way, but the rewards have outweighed them all and helped me learn, grow, and evolve as a man.
"…For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required…" – Luke 12:48
And to the fans — the biggest thank you of all. To every fan from each organization I represented: thank you, thank you, thank you for everything! From wearing my jerseys, collecting my cards, sending letters, sharing your opinions (good and tough ones alike), and most importantly — showing love. I felt it all.
As I step into the newest season of my life, please know this game has meant the world to me. The lessons learned on and off the field will stay with me forever.
Love, Z
Smith announced the news on Instagram , and it comes just weeks into the season. Although Smith has dealt with injuries over the course of his career, that doesn't seem to be the case here. He played on Thursday night in the Eagles loss to New York.
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Across five games this season, Smith has 1.5 sacks and ten tackles. He finished last season with nine sacks. The Minnesota Vikings will face the Eagles on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium coming out of their bye. Now they'll do so with one less defensive talent on the opposing sideline.
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