College Football Hall of Famer Billy Ray Smith Jr. Dies at 64

Billy Ray Smith Jr. a College Football Hall of Famer and former linebacker for the San Diego Chargers, has died. He was 64.

Smith's family released a statement Wednesday confirming his death. Smith had been dealing with dementia caused by chronic traumatic encephalopathy, commonly known as CTE.

CTE is a degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head impacts and concussions, a known risk factor in contact sports such as professional football.

Smith's family's public statement adds personal weight to the ongoing conversation surrounding brain injuries in sports. His career spanned an era when the understanding of brain health in football was far less developed.

His passing adds to the growing list of former athletes diagnosed with CTE, underscoring the serious health challenges faced by many who played at the highest levels of the sport.

Billy Ray Smith Jr. a College Football Hall of Famer and former linebacker for the San Diego Chargers, has died. He was 64.

Smith's family released a statement Wednesday confirming his death. Smith had been dealing with dementia caused by chronic traumatic encephalopathy, commonly known as CTE.

CTE is a degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head impacts and concussions, a known risk factor in contact sports such as professional football.

His passing adds to the growing list of former athletes diagnosed with CTE, underscoring the serious health challenges faced by many who played at the highest levels of the sport.