NFL fans are flocking to Chris Smith’s tragic final post to honor the ‘king’ after the ex-football star died aged 31

FORMER NFL player Chris Smith has died aged 31 and fans are honoring him with tributes for his latest social media post.

Smith was a member of the XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons this season after eight years in the NFL.

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This was announced by his agent Drew Rosenhaus on Tuesday.

This was also confirmed by his old high school West Rowan in North Carolina.

The school continued to post Twitter: “RIP to a West Rowan legend! Chris was a better person than a player!”

“The impact he had on those around him will be remembered forever!”

The cause of death is unclear and has not been disclosed.

Smith played in the NFL from 2014-21 for the Jaguars, Bengals, Browns, Raiders and Texans before joining the Sea Dragons in March of that year.

When news of his death broke, tributes poured in.

Several former teammates and players left comments.

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku said: “Rest in paradise Chris Smith. Hometown hero and a brother to all. Such a kind soul. This is heartbreaking.”

XFL Sea Dragons kicker Dominik Eberle said, “Love you bro, fly high king.”

Former NFL player Roy Miller III wrote, “My brother, I was just thinking how proud I am that you’ve pursued your dreams in the XFL. You made a whole room laugh. When you laughed, you always found a way to make any situation positive, RIH Smitty.”

Fans also filled the comments section with kind words and tributes.

One fan commented, “You will be missed my brother.”

Another shared a personal experience with Smith: “I delivered you food once when you were playing with the Bengals. You gave me a good tip and were so nice.”

And a third: “Rip young king.”

Smith played at the University of Arkansas before being drafted by the Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.