Browns defensive end Chris Smith has made the decision to take the field for Monday night's game against the Jets, despite still grieving over the death of his girlfriend.
Petara Cordero died last Wednesday after being struck by a car, less than a month after she gave birth to the couple's daughter. Smith said she would have wanted him to play and that he was suiting up in her honor.
“I am going to play (Monday) because it is something, she would want me to do," Smith told Cleveland.com . "She would want me to keep doing what I love and stay strong. I play for her tonight. She is my why.”
Smith, 27, was driving with Cordero, 26, outside of Cleveland last week when a tire of his Lamborghini blew out, causing the vehicle to crash off the side of the road. Cordero got out of the vehicle, only to be hit by an oncoming car on the side of the road.
The driver of the other car admitted she had been drinking, but hasn't been charged since toxicology reports still are pending.
Smith returned to practice Saturday and paid a touching tribute to Cordero on social media on Friday.
"God has a plan for all of us we can’t understand but she is in a better place now and she can rest easy," Smith wrote. "My wifey my best friend and the mother of my beautiful daughter. Love you baby."