Two top NFL players have been reported missing off Florida's Gulf Coast. Details are sketchy, but Sports agent Ron Del Duca said he represents Detroit Lions defensive end Corey Smith and Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper and they are among a group of boaters reported missing Sunday morning by the Coast Guard.
A total of four boaters are missing from a a fishing trip that included the two NFL players. The Coast Guard from Clearwater, Florida are reporting that the group were on a 21-foot vessel that left Clearwater Pass Saturday morning. The NFL players and others were headed out for a fishing trip and didn't return when they were expected. Search teams searched a 750-square mile area west of Clearwater Pass on Sunday using a helicopter and a 47-foot motor-life boat to no avail. The NFL has not issued an official statement.
"We are still searching for the boat," said Petty Officer Sondra Kneen.
Smith, a defensive end for the Lions graduated from North Carolina State and had 30 tackles last season. He also nailed a couple of quarterbacks in the '08 season and had one interception. Smith has been with the team since 2006. Prior to joining the Lions, Smith played for San Francisco and Tampa Bay.
Marquis Cooper a member of the Oakland Raiders had 37 tackles last season and is a five year veteran of the NFL. Prior to playing with the Raiders Cooper has been a member of
Pittsburgh Steelers, the Jaguars, Seahawks, Vikings and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Lions spokesman Bill Keenist said the team is aware of the media report and trying to gather more information.
Smith, a 29-year-old native of Richmond, Va., became an unrestricted free agent Friday and wasn't expected to re-sign with the Lions. The 6-foot-2, 250-pound defensive end played in 36 games for the Lions over the last three seasons, making six starts.
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