Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith was surprisingly absent when the team began its voluntary offseason program, and we now know why.
In an Instagram post on Thursday, Smith announced that he will not be playing football in 2019 so he can take some time to “get my world in order.” The former Pro Bowler said he needs to spend more time with his family and focus on his health.
Jaguars’ LB Telvin Smith announced he will not play football in 2019. pic.twitter.com/GHCMhXmDQb
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 9, 2019
Smith, 28, has been one of the best linebackers in football over the past five seasons. He recorded a career high 100 solo tackles and 134 total tackles in 2018, so losing him will be a huge blow for Jacksonville’s defense.
Smith has made some massive plays for the Jaguars over the years, and fans feared that he may be unhappy with his contract situation or ready to demand a trade when he did not show up for the offseason program. He said earlier in the week that he has no plans to leave Jacksonville, but he will apparently be away from the team for at least a year.
