San Diego Chargers icon Billy Ray Smith Jr. dies at 64

Billy Ray Smith Jr., beloved Chargers icon, has died at 64, leaving behind a legacy of football excellence and community service.

SAN DIEGO — Chargers great Billy Ray Smith Jr. died Wednesday. He was 64.

Billy Ray made an immediate impact here in San Diego, with the Chargers selecting him with the fifth overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft and as the first defensive player chosen in that particular year.

Smith was well respected within the Chargers organization and beyond. He spent his entire 10-year NFL career (1983–1992) with the San Diego Chargers and also granted team MVP in 1987. He was son of former NFL player and Super Bowl champion Billy Ray Smith Sr. and carried on his family’s football legacy. Billy Ray found success at all stages of his athletic career. Before his collegiate and professional success, Smith helped Plano Senior High School claim a Texas Class 4A state title in Texas. In college, a two-time All-American back-to-back in 1981 and 1982 at the University of Arkansas.

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Smith is survived by his wife, longtime San Diego ABC10 News anchor Kimberly Hunt, and their daughter, Savannah. 

Smith transitioned into broadcasting after his NFL career, joining San Diego’s ABC 10 news as sports director in 1993. He later became a beloved voice in San Diego sports as co-host of the long-running “Scott and B.R.” radio show, while also covering college and professional football for national television broadcasts.

The family released a statement on Wednesday: 

“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 brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the world as a devoted father, husband, son, and loyal friend. On the NFL gridiron for a decade with the Chargers, and decades that followed in sports broadcasting, Billy Ray earned deep respect from teammates, colleagues, and fans, who he cherished in return.

 He leaves an irreplaceable void in our lives. His undeniable legacy will live forever in our hearts, and we thank our incredible community for the outpouring of love and support.

 Details regarding a memorial celebration will be shared at a later date.”

In a statement on X, the San Diego Chargers Owner Dean Spanos said their hearts are with his family and the people whose lives he made brighter. 

“To know Billy Ray was to love Billy Ray. Yes, he was a member of our 50th Anniversary team. Yes, he was a Charger for life, playing his entire 10-year career here. But he wasn’t merely a great football player. He was, truly, larger than life. Always smiling. Lighting up every room he walked into, infectious laughter. The kind of friend a friend should be. That was Billy Ray. 

When someone who brought so much positivity into the world leaves us, it’s hard to process. Hard to accept. That’s how I feel right now, and I know I’m not alone. 

Billy Ray loved his family, loved the Chargers, loved his teammates, loved his community and loved helping those in needs. And we all loved him back. 

Our hearts are with his wife, Kimberly, daughter, Savannah, and the countless people whose lives were made just a little bit brighter because they had the privilege of knowing Billy Ray.”

to know Billy Ray was to love Billy Ray 💙 pic.twitter.com/sFx8gM8eUX

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) July 30, 2026