Mother of Chris Smith's son posts emotional tribute to ex-NFL star after tragic death saying he 'lit up the room'

THE mother of Chris Smith's son has posted a heartwrenching tribute to the former NFL star following his death aged 31.

Alexis Dodds spoke out on her "deep love" for Smith after his shock passing was confirmed earlier this week.

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The ex-Cleveland Brown defensive end died just hours after playing in the XFL for the Seattle Sea Dragons.

Smith and Dodds share son Jayceon, 7, with the travel nurse taking to social media to post a heartbreaking message.

She wrote: "Where do I begin? 2013 my life changed forever without even knowing.

"I thank God for the 10 years of knowing you, but I even thank him more for letting us create a son, a legacy.

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"You knew how to brighten up a room with your laugh and spirit.

"We have had many highs and many lows.. a lot of people could never understand our relationship.

"But through it all we knew we was family and loved each other deeply.

"I can't believe I'm writing this right now, and I don't know how to tell our son, that you are gone.

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"I promise that your legacy will live on forever! We love you Smitty..fly high love."

Fans, players and teams all paid tribute to Smith following the shock news of his passing.

His former team Cleveland Browns wrote in a statement: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Browns DE Chris Smith.

"Chris was one of the kindest people, teammates and friends we've had in our organization.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."

While ex-teammate David Njoku added: "Rest in paradise, Chris Smith."

As of Wednesday morning, the football star's cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Smith was drafted by Jacksonville Jaguars in Round 5 of the NFL Draft in 2014.

He had been a star in college for Arkansas and went on to play for seven teams in the NFL, before joining the XFL earlier this year.