San Diego’s football community mourns the passing of Billy Ray Smith Jr., a former Chargers linebacker and College Football Hall of Fame inductee, who died peacefully at age 64 following a prolonged battle with dementia linked to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

The family confirmed Wednesday that Smith succumbed to complications from CTE—a degenerative brain condition often associated with repeated head trauma in contact sports—after years of navigating the disease’s challenges.

Smith spent his entire NFL career with the Chargers after being selected fifth overall in the 1983 draft. He became a defensive anchor, earning first-team All-Pro honors in 1985 and 1986, and team MVP accolades in 1987. His playing career concluded with 26.5 sacks, 15 interceptions, 14 fumble recoveries, and 13 forced fumbles.

Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000 after starring at Arkansas as a two-time unanimous All-American, Smith also built a lasting legacy in San Diego media. He served as a beloved sports broadcaster for decades, his voice synonymous with local football coverage.

Smith is survived by his wife Kimberly and daughter Savannah. His family described his final years marked by courage and dignity amid the challenges of CTE-related cognitive decline.