Father of Denver DL Antonio Smith dies after surgery complications

Super Bowl week took a difficult turn for Denver Broncos DL Antonio Smith on Wednesday, when he learned that his father died overnight.

Marty Christopher Williams was 55. He died after complications from recent heart surgery.

“It’s rough. I just found out this morning,” Smith said, according to the Denver Post. “It was my mom who called and told me. The call came in around 6:30.”

Marty Williams died in Oklahoma, where he had been incarcerated for more than two decades.

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The 34-year old Smith will remain with his teammates and continue to prepare for Super Bowl 50 against the Carolina Panthers. The veteran is in his first season with Denver, and played in all 16 games, recording 2.5 sacks. He is also a mentor to younger teammates.