By Blessing 
Former Detroit Lions edge rusher Za’Darius Smith might be off the field for now, but he’s definitely not out of the spotlight. The veteran pass rusher made headlines again Monday night—this time, not for a sack, but for a stylish red carpet moment.
Smith, who was let go by the Lions this offseason, turned heads as he arrived at the BET Awards alongside none other than Detroit-born rapper and actress Kash Doll. The two were seen sharing a public display of affection, fully leaning into the glamorous moment. Sporting coordinated outfits, the couple caught the attention of fans and media alike.
“Matching fits for @kashdoll and @Za’Darius Smith at the #BETAwards,” read a TikTok caption from CBS Mornings, showcasing the duo’s red carpet debut.
Fans quickly lit up the comments.
“Who else is hyped?” one viewer wrote.
“This makes me feel on top of the world!” another fan gushed.
Smith and Kash Doll—whose real name is Arkeisha Antoinette Knight—first sparked dating rumors back in March 2025, not long after Detroit’s playoff run ended in a tough loss to Washington. While the relationship remained under wraps at first, their recent public appearance seems to confirm what fans have long suspected.
On the football front, Smith remains a question mark for Detroit’s future. He had a solid 2024-25 season, notching 22 solo tackles and nine sacks—impressive numbers considering the Lions’ defensive line was plagued by injuries. Still, Detroit chose to release him, opting to give more reps to Marcus Davenport and other rising stars on the roster.
There’s ongoing speculation about where Smith will land next, with some insiders linking him to the Buffalo Bills. Meanwhile, the Lions look poised to dominate defensively with a projected front four of Davenport, Alim McNeill, DJ Reader, and Aidan Hutchinson—who’s already drawing buzz as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
As for Smith, whether he returns to Detroit or not, one thing’s clear—he knows how to make an entrance.