Chargers legend Bill Ray Smith passed away at 64

The Chargers and the entire fan base is mourning the loss of franchise legend Billy Ray Smith who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 64 after a bout with dementia. In a statement from his family, they said the dementia was CTE-related.

To know Billy Ray was to love Billy Ray. Yes, he was a member of our 50th Anniversary team. Yes, he was a Charger for life, playing his entire 10-year career here," said Chargers owner Dean Spanos. But he wasn't merely a great football player. He was, truly, larger than life. Always smiling. Lighting up every room he walked into. Infectious laughter. The kind of friend a friend should be. That was Billy Ray."

to know Billy Ray was to love Billy Ray pic.twitter.com/sFx8gM8eUX

- Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) July 30, 2026

Smith was a 10-year NFL veteran who spent his entire career with the Chargers from 1983-1992. He was taken with the fifth-overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft after a standout career at the University of Arkansas where he was a two-time unanimous All-American for the Razorbacks.

With the Bolts, Smith was as reliable as they come in the middle of their defense. He played in 11 of 126 regular season games and was twice named the team's defensive player of the year (1986-1987). In 87, he was flat out named the MVP of the entire team. By the end of his career, Smith had accumulated 598 tackles, 26.5 sacks, 15 interceptions, and 14 fumble recoveries.

All of our thoughts and condolences are with his family.