Billy Ray Smith Jr., a former NFL linebacker who became a prominent figure in San Diego’s sports community, died Wednesday at age 64. His family announced that he had battled dementia caused by chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head injuries, facing the illness with “unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength.”
Smith Jr. spent his entire 10-season professional football career with the San Diego Chargers from 1983 to 1992, appearing in 126 games and earning two Pro Bowl selections. Born on August 10, 1961, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and raised in Plano, Texas, Smith Jr. was the son of longtime NFL defensive lineman Billy Ray Smith. He followed in his father’s footsteps at the University of Arkansas, where he was twice named a unanimous All-American and later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Drafted fifth overall by the Chargers in 1983, Smith Jr. transitioned from defensive end to linebacker and was named the team’s most valuable player in 1987. Over his career, he recorded 26.5 sacks, 15 interceptions, and 14 fumble recoveries, playing a key role in the Chargers’ defensive resurgence during the late 1980s. Sportswriter Bill Plaschke once noted that Smith Jr. was the driving force behind the team’s defense, especially during a remarkable turnaround in the 1987 season.
Following his retirement, Smith Jr. remained deeply connected to San Diego. He pursued a broadcasting career, working as a radio host and sportscaster for local outlets including KGTV and Fox Sports, and became known for his personable and affable on-air presence. He teamed with Scott Kaplan on a popular radio show and contributed regularly to Chargers broadcasts until the station’s closure in 2019.
Smith Jr. was also closely linked with fellow Chargers linebacker Junior Seau, with whom he played from 1990 to 1992. The two maintained a strong friendship after their playing days, and Smith Jr. spoke at Seau’s 2012 memorial service.
In his personal life, Smith Jr. married broadcaster Kimberly Hunt in 1990. The couple, who had a daughter named Savannah, were active in charitable work throughout San Diego. In 2024, they received the San Diego Nice Guy of the Year Award in recognition of their long-standing community involvement, supporting youth programs, veterans, healthcare initiatives, and multiple nonprofit organizations.
Scott Kaplan, Smith Jr.’s former radio partner, remembered him as someone genuinely beloved for his authenticity and kindness. “He really, really lived a life that he could be very proud of,” Kaplan said. Smith Jr.’s legacy endures both for his contributions on the football field and his lasting impact on the San Diego community.