The Cleveland Browns and New York Jets take to the field later tonight in a Monday Night Football clash, but Browns defensive end Chris Smith is going to be playing with a heavy heart.
According to a report from Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer (via Pro Football Talk), Smith is currently suffering through the untimely passing of his girlfriend, Petara Cordero, who was also the mother os his daughter. Cordero died last week, and Smith has elected to play despite the suddenness, as it’s something he believes she would want him to do.
“I am going to play tonight because it is something, she would want me to do,” Smith said in a statement. “She would want me to keep doing what I love and stay strong. I play for her tonight. She is my why.”
Smith was with Cordero at the time of the accident, during which the pair of them had pulled over after a tire malfunction had caused Smith’s vehicle to hit a median. After exiting the vehicle, Cordero was struck by another car who crashed into the passenger side of Smith’s card.
There's no word on just how much or little Smith will play, but given the circumstances of the past week, it wouldn't be too shocking to see Smith on a limited snap count. Regardless, he'll be playing for something more than himself this week, and it's likely that many of his teammates will have Cordero in their minds as they take the field Monday night.
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