NFL’s Chris Smith to Play in Monday Night Game in Honor of Recently Killed Girlfriend

Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sacked by Chris Smith #50 of the Cleveland Browns in the second quarter of the preseason game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Aug. 23, 2019. Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images

Cleveland Browns defensive end Chris Smith will play in his team’s Monday, Sept. 16 game despite the recent death of his girlfriend.

“I am going to play tonight because it is something she would want me to do. She would want me to keep doing what I love and stay strong. I play for her tonight. She is my why,” Smith, 27, said in a statement through the Browns.