Chargers legend Bill Ray Smith passed away at 64

The Chargers and the entire fan base is mourning the loss of franchise legend Billy Ray Smith who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 64 after a bout with dementia. In a statement from his family, they said the dementia was CTE-related.

"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," said Chargers owner Dean Spanos. "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."