Browns name Deshaun Watson Week 1 starter over Shedeur Sanders
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken has officially named Deshaun Watson the starting quarterback for the 2026 NFL season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Za’Darius Smith opened up about his decision to retire last season while with the Philadelphia Eagles, saying he stepped away from football to spend time with his mother during her final months.
Smith signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Falcons last week. During a news conference, Wednesday, Aug. 26, he spoke about the decision to pause his football career after learning his mother’s time was limited. Smith shared that being by his mother’s side during her final months felt more important than anything his career could offer.
Smith left the Eagles after playing five games last October. Smith said his mother died soon after his retirement. Tragedy struck again when, in the weeks that followed, both his father and grandmother also passed away.
When Smith was ready to return to the NFL, he began exploring opportunities, including discussions with the Cleveland Browns. However, those talks fell through due to financial reasons.
It was then that the Falcons reached out, having recently lost edge rusher Jalon Walker to a torn ACL and James Pearce Jr. to an eight-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, opening the door for Smith’s comeback.
“My mom, rest her soul, man. She always wanted me to be in Atlanta with the Falcons,” Smith said.
Throughout his 11-year NFL career, Smith has played in 145 games and recorded 70.5 sacks.