The Detroit Lions are focused on the action on the field, but life continues off it, with players having families, friends, and relationships that play major roles in their lives. For instance, quarterback Jared Goff recently became a father, as he and his wife, Christen Harper, welcomed their first child together during the offseason.

While the upcoming 2025-26 season is at the forefront of fans’ minds, personal matters often take precedence. Now, one former Detroit Lions standout has made headlines for going through a widely covered breakup.

It’s hard enough to deal with a split privately, but navigating it in the public spotlight adds an extra challenge. We’re sending him our best wishes and hoping the media moves on soon.

Jayden Daniels 5 of the Washington Commanders runs the ball against Za’Darius Smith #99 of the Detroit Lions.

Detroit rapper Kash Doll and ex-Lions defensive star Za’Darius Smith have ended their relationship, with both confirming the news on social media. Kash Doll shared the update on X, while Smith posted the word “single” on Instagram, along with a walking man emoji and a door image.

“Rapper Kash Doll has officially confirmed her breakup with NFL defensive star Za’Darius Smith, sharing the news on social media this weekend,” Vocal Media reported. “The Detroit-born artist took to X (formerly Twitter) on August 10, 2025, to announce that after trying to make things work, they simply ‘can’t see eye to eye’ and respectfully decided to part ways.”

Vocal Media shared her post, which read: “At this point of my life I just need to be single… Za’Darius is a great guy but we can’t see eye to eye and with all due respect we decided to part ways ❤️.” She added, “I’m giving the internet a break also so I’m done with y’all too right now.”

Kash Doll and Smith went public only a few months ago, drawing attention when they made their relationship known. Smith, currently a free agent, seemed even more likely to return to Detroit next season given his ties to the city through the rapper. Fans embraced the couple, but things apparently weren’t working in private.

As for Smith’s football future, he remains one of the top available edge rushers. Once the season begins and injuries occur, he’s expected to find a team quickly. Previously, he expressed a strong desire to return to Detroit.

“We both know where I want to be,” Smith told Tyler Dragon of USA Today Sports in June when asked about his situation with the Lions. “Hopefully I can get back to Detroit because the coaching staff and everybody in the front office are great. When I’m there, I feel like a leader and like I can influence the young guys and do great things. Hopefully, I can get back to where I want to be in Detroit.”

Hopefully, this breakup won’t steer Smith toward pursuing a job outside of Detroit.