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San Diego Chargers icon Billy Ray Smith Jr. passes away
Courtesy of Smith Family
Chargers great Billy Ray Smith Jr. passed away Wednesday, July 29, at the age of 64.
Billy Ray made an immediate impact here in San Diego, with the Chargers selecting him with the fifth overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft and as the first defensive player chosen in that particular year.
Well respected within the Chargers organization and beyond, Smith spent his entire 10-year NFL career (1983–1992) with the San Diego Chargers, also granted team MVP in 1987. The son of former NFL player and Super Bowl champion Billy Ray Smith Sr., Smith carried on his family's football legacy. Billy Ray finding success at all stages of his athletic career. Before his collegiate and professional success, Smith helped Plano Senior High School claim a Texas Class 4A state title in Texas. In college, a two-time All-American back-to-back in 1981 and 1982 at the University of Arkansas.