In a move that blends heart, grit, and public service, a former Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman is trading his helmet for a badge — and fans across Missouri are applauding the decision.
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After months of speculation about a potential return to football, the veteran tackle has officially announced his retirement from the NFL. But instead of a press tour, he chose a quiet new path — one grounded in duty.
Donovan Smith, who started 12 games at left tackle for the Chiefs in 2023, is now a member of the Kansas City Police Department. The former Super Bowl champion made the decision after sitting out the 2024 season due to injury.”It was just one season in Kansas City — but that’s all it took. This city felt like home, and now I wear a different badge to protect it,” Smith said in a statement shared with local media.The 6-foot-6, 338-pound lineman had a decorated NFL journey.
Drafted 34th overall by the Buccaneers in 2015, he spent eight seasons in Tampa Bay, won Super Bowl LV, and joined the Chiefs on a one-year deal in 2023.
Though his PFF grade in Kansas City (57.8) drew mixed reviews, Smith’s durability and leadership were evident throughout the regular season. His absence in the playoffs was felt, but the team still clinched Super Bowl LVIII. Injury setbacks and free agency left his 2024 outlook uncertain, and despite interest from several teams, no new contract materialized. Rather than pursue a late-summer comeback, Smith quietly began training at the police academy.Now 32, he begins a new chapter not far from Arrowhead Stadium — this time patrolling streets instead of the pocket.
And in doing so, he reminds Chiefs Kingdom that loyalty goes far beyond the game.