Billy Ray Smith, top 5 NFL draft pick, dead at 64; family says CTE caused dementia

Armando Salguero explains that the NFL will continue to give talented players chances because teams think they can fix the problems.

Former San Diego Chargers linebacker Billy Ray Smith died this week at the age of 64, his family announced.

The family said Smith, a College Football Hall of Famer, "faced [a] long journey with dementia caused by CTE."

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive, degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head impacts rather than a single injury, according to the Mayo Clinic. 

More than 100 former NFL players have been posthumously diagnosed with CTE, according to a University of Utah study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Billy Ray Smith of the San Diego Chargers in action against the Miami Dolphins during Oct. 16, 1988, at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami. (Getty Images)

"Billy Ray brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the world as a devoted father, husband, son, and loyal friend," the family said in a statement, adding that he fought his illness "with unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength."

This year, the families of Aldon Smith, Steve McMichael and Claude Lemieux have all said the former athletes' brains will be sent for CTE research. Smith's cause of death is still pending, while Lemieux died by suicide by hanging and McMichael suffered from ALS. 

Former running back Chris Johnson revealed earlier this year he, too, had been diagnosed with ALS.

Billy Ray Smith of the San Diego Chargers in action in 1988 at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, Calif. (Getty Images)

BEARS LEGEND BRIAN URLACHER TALKS TEAM'S LIKELY MOVE, USC SON'S COLLEGE CAREER

CTE can only be officially diagnosed after death.

"To know Billy