Ex-Lions 3-Time Pro Bowl Star Retiring at 33 After 11 Fierce Seasons
Detroit, MI – October 13, 2025
The roar inside Ford Field felt different this week. News spread quickly across Detroit — a veteran warrior was stepping away from the game. The Lions community, already known for its loyalty and heart, took a collective pause as one of football’s fiercest competitors decided it was time to hang up his cleats.
After 11 relentless seasons in the NFL, three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Za’Darius Smith has announced his retirement at age 33. The announcement came Monday afternoon through a heartfelt message on Instagram, closing the book on one of the league’s most respected careers.
In his post, Smith wrote with emotion: “I knew this day would come — but now that it’s here, I’m feeling so many emotions I never expected. To every fan from each organization I represented: thank you, thank you, thank you for everything.”
For Lions fans, his impact still resonates deeply. During his 2024 stint in Detroit, Smith wasn’t just a pass rusher — he was a presence. He recorded 4 sacks and 36 pressures, but his true influence was in the culture he helped shape. Younger players like Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston often spoke about his intensity, preparation, and leadership.
Every rep at practice, every pre-game huddle — he brought energy that was contagious. Inside the locker room, teammates described him as the bridge between raw youth and veteran wisdom. It was never just about stats; it was about standard.
“Football gave me everything — brotherhood, purpose, and family. But now it’s time to give that same energy back to my loved ones,” he added in his farewell message, ending with a simple lion emoji that hit home for fans across Michigan.
Za’Darius Smith walks away with 70.5 career sacks, more than 340 tackles, and an unshakable legacy built on effort, authenticity, and fire. For Detroit, his stay may have been brief — but his impact burned bright.
One Pride. Forever Za’Darius.
⏰ GAMEDAY: Ravens at Bills — How to Watch/Listen to NFL Kickoff Week 1
The 2025 NFL season lights up in primetime as the Baltimore Ravens travel north to face the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Two AFC heavyweights meet under the Sunday night lights, and the result could echo deep into January.
📅 Game Details
-
Date/Time: Sunday, September 7, 2025 — 8:20 p.m. ET
-
Venue: Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
-
Week: 1 — regular-season opener for both teams
-
Referee Crew: Shawn Hochuli and his officiating team
📺 TV Broadcast
-
National: NBC (Sunday Night Football)
-
Local: WGRZ (NBC Buffalo) and WBAL-TV 11 (NBC Baltimore)
-
Announcers: Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (analyst), Melissa Stark (sideline)
💻 Live Streaming
-
Peacock: Complete Sunday Night Football simulcast
-
NFL+: Live local & primetime games on mobile/tablet (U.S. only), plus full and condensed replays after the game
🎧 Radio Coverage
-
Ravens Radio Network:
WBAL 1090 AM / 101.5 FM and 98 Rock 97.9 FM, with Gerry Sandusky (play-by-play) and Rod Woodson (analyst). Available nationally on SiriusXM and Westwood One (Kevin Harlan, Kurt Warner). -
Bills Radio Network: WGR 550 AM, with Chris Brown (play-by-play), Eric Wood (analyst), and Sal Capaccio (sideline)
🌦️ Weather Outlook
Early forecasts for Orchard Park call for partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the high 60s (°F) at kickoff. Winds around 10–12 mph could factor into special teams and long field goals.
🔑 Key Storylines
-
Ravens: Lamar Jackson leads a versatile offense built on speed and creativity, while the defense looks to keep Josh Allen contained in the pocket.
-
Bills: With Stefon Diggs now in Houston, Buffalo leans on Khalil Shakir, rookie Keon Coleman, Joshua Palmer, Curtis Samuel, Elijah Moore, and tight end Dalton Kincaid to generate firepower alongside Allen.
⚠️ Why It Matters
This isn’t just another opener — it’s a battle between two teams carrying Super Bowl expectations. The winner not only earns an early edge in the AFC but also sets the tone for playoff positioning months down the road.
👉 Ravens Flock and Bills Mafia — the road to Super Bowl LX starts right here. Don’t miss a moment of this primetime showdown.
