Chris Smith, a former NFL player and standout West Rowan player, passed away at age 31

According to WCNC Charlotte, a former West Rowan High School defensive football standout who went on to play in the NFL has passed away.

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Chris Smith, now 31 years old and a resident of Salisbury, graduated from West Rowan High School in 2010 where he excelled on the squad as a standout defensive end.

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Smith played all four years at the University of Arkansas for the Razorbacks and started every game they played.

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The Jacksonville Jaguars ultimately decided to take a chance on Smith and choose him in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

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Smith played all three of the Jaguars' seasons after signing with the team.

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Between the years 2018 and 2021, Smith also spent time playing for the Cleveland Browns, the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Houston Texans.

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In 2020, he signed a contract to play for the Carolina Panthers, however he was only active on the practice squad.

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"Chris was not just a good player, but an even better person! "The influence he had on those who were fortunate enough to know him will live on in perpetuity," West Rowan wrote on Twitter.

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