By Sunday 
It’s not just game day where Za’Darius Smith makes a statement. The former Detroit Lions edge rusher traded in his cleats for couture this week, stepping out onto the BET Awards red carpet with none other than Detroit rapper and actress Kash Doll—and the couple did not disappoint.
All Eyes on the Red Carpet
On Monday, Smith made headlines off the field, arriving in style with Kash Doll, born Arkeisha Antoinette Knight. The two rocked coordinated outfits and shared a sweet moment of PDA that quickly caught the attention of fans and media alike.
TikTok lit up with reactions after @cbsmornings shared a clip of the duo:
“Matching fits for @kashdoll and @Za’Darius Smith at the #BETAwards,” the caption read.
Fans were all in on the couple’s red carpet chemistry.
“Who else is hyped?” one user commented.
“This makes me feel on top of the world!” another added.
The BET Awards are known for bold fashion and star-studded appearances, and Smith and Kash Doll brought both. It marked one of their first major public appearances together since dating rumors began swirling in March 2025, shortly after the Lions’ playoff run.
A Big Season, On and Off the Field
Za’Darius Smith didn’t just bring heat to the red carpet—he brought it to the field last season as well. In his lone year with the Lions, Smith racked up 22 solo tackles and 9 sacks, stepping up big-time during a stretch when Detroit’s defense was decimated by injuries.
Despite his performance, the Lions released Smith in the offseason to make room for Marcus Davenport and a younger core. Whether Smith will return to Detroit remains uncertain, though his name has been linked to the Buffalo Bills as a potential addition.
Still, many Lions fans continue to campaign for a reunion. The current projected front four—Davenport, Alim McNeill, DJ Reader, and Aidan Hutchinson—could be one of the most dominant in the league. But there’s no doubt Smith’s impact left a mark on both the field and the fanbase.
Glam, Game, and What’s Next?
Za’Darius Smith continues to show he’s a force both in football and in pop culture. With Kash Doll by his side, the power couple brought Detroit pride and NFL swagger to one of the biggest stages in entertainment.
Whether he ends up back in Honolulu blue or finds a new home, one thing’s for sure: Za’Darius Smith knows how to stay in the spotlight.