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At the end of the 2017 season, Rick Smith stepped down from the general manager role with the Texans after his wife Tiffany was diagnosed with breast cancer. His official statement last year read:
Statement from Texans GM Rick Smith: pic.twitter.com/5fzvaYMD2G
— Amy Palcic (@amypalcic) December 31, 2017
With Smith no longer acting as the Texans’ GM, Brian Gaine was hired as general manager. Smith’s stated intention was to return in some sort of role in the future. What that role was going to be was fluid with Gaine serving as the general manager.
Smith: this is an extended leave of absence. Will take a complete year off. Plan is fluid on when I return.
— Drew Dougherty (@DoughertyDrew) January 1, 2018
Whatever Smith’s future plans were don’t matter at all anymore. Sadly, his wife Tiffany passed away yesterday. This was the team’s official statement in reaction to the tragic news:
Statement from Houston Texans Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Cal McNair: pic.twitter.com/774sTGVhCd
— Texans PR (@TexansPR) January 31, 2019
Rick issued this statement:
Condolences to Rick Smith and his family. His wife Tiffany died today after a courageous battle with cancer. He released a statement. pic.twitter.com/54f5G914zR
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) January 31, 2019
Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with the Smith family.