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Former Chargers Linebacker Billy Ray Smith Jr. Dies at 64, Family Announces
The former Chargers linebacker and broadcaster was remembered for decades of service in San Diego and for helping raise millions for local families.
- San Diego Chargers legend Billy Ray Smith Jr. died Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at age 64 following a battle with CTE-related dementia, his family announced.
- Selected 5th overall in the 1983 NFL Draft, Smith spent his entire 10-year career with the Chargers, wearing #54 and recording 26.5 sacks across 137 games.
- After his playing career, Smith joined Channel 10 as sports director in 1993 and co-founded "Bates Street," an after-school program providing sports and activities for local kids.
- Chargers owner Dean Spanos honored Smith as "larger than life" and someone who "loved his community," while his wife, Kimberly Hunt, and daughter, Savannah, survive him.
- While his family attributed the dementia to CTE, the Mayo Clinic notes "there is no way to definitively diagnose during life," per medical guidance on the condition.
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gulfliveFormer Chargers Team MVP, No. 5 pick in NFL Draft dies at 64
Former San Diego Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith has died, his family announced. He was 64.
·Grand Rapids, United States
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The player of the NFL Billy Ray Smith Jr. died on Wednesday (29), at 64, after a long battle against dementia that, according to the family, was caused by chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), brain disease associated with repetitive impacts on the head. Understand: Former college football player is found dead on California beach a month after becoming engaged British surfer disappears during stand-up paddle in Portugal "It is with deep sadnes…
·Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Total News Sources69
Leaning Left11Leaning Right6Center47Last UpdatedBias Distribution74% Center
Bias Distribution
- 74% of the sources are Center
74% Center
L 17%
C 74%
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