Former San Diego Chargers linebacker and College Football Hall of Famer Billy Ray Smith Jr has sadly passed away at the age of 64. His family announced on Wednesday that he died due to complications from CTE-caused dementia.

In a heartfelt statement, the family expressed their grief:

“It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of our beloved Billy Ray Smith Jr, who passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Billy Ray faced his long journey with dementia caused by CTE with unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength.”

Billy Ray Smith Jr had a remarkable career, playing 10 seasons with the Chargers after being selected as the No. 5 overall pick in the 1983 NFL draft from Arkansas. He earned a place on the Chargers’ 50th anniversary team, recording:

• 15 career interceptions
• 14 fumble recoveries
• 13 forced fumbles

After retiring from football, Smith transitioned into broadcasting, becoming the sports director at the ABC affiliate in San Diego and co-hosting a long-running radio show, where he covered both college and professional football.

A two-time All-American at Arkansas, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000. He also had a legacy in sports, as his father, Billy Ray Smith Sr, played at Arkansas and in the NFL from 1957 to 1970 with teams including the Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Baltimore Colts.

CTE is a degenerative brain disease linked to repetitive head trauma, often affecting athletes in contact sports. It can lead to severe mood swings, impulsive behavior, and depression, and can only be diagnosed posthumously.