San Diego Chargers legend Billy Ray Smith Jr. dies at 64
Jul 29, 2026
Billy Ray Smith, linebacker for the San Diego Chargers who then became a sports broadcaster, died Wednesday at age 64, according to KGTV.
Smith’s wife, Kimberly Hunt, is a news anchor at KGTV, which first reported the news.
Smith was drafted by the Chargers in 1983 and played until 1992. Aft
er that, he became a sports broadcaster on TV, radio and online.
Smith was selected 5th overall in the 1983 by the Chargers. Smith played his entire NFL career in San Diego, starring for the Chargers from 1983-1992.
Smith wore #54 and flew around around the field from his linebacker position. He also played 137 NFL games, sacking the quarterback 26.5 times, he had also had 15 interceptions and 14 fumble recoveries.
One of Smith’s best season with the Chargers was 1989, when he earned All-Pro 2nd team status.
Smith was also a member of the Chargers 50th Anniversary Team.
After his playing career, Smith was an impactful member of the San Diego community through charitable efforts or media. Smith’s sports talk radio show with Scott Kaplan was one of the most popular in Southern California.
...read more
read less