Father of Broncos D-lineman dies

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) Denver Broncos defensive lineman Antonio Smith plans to play in the Super Bowl despite learning of his father's death Wednesday.

Team spokesman Patrick Smyth told The Associated Press that there are no plans for Smith to leave the team.

Smith told the Denver Post he learned of his father's death Wednesday in phone call from his mother.

Marty Christopher Williams, 55, who had been incarcerated for more than 20 years, had recently undergone heart surgery, Smith told the newspaper.

Smith, 34, is a 12-year NFL veteran who joined the Broncos this season after his release from the Oakland Raiders. He was a key member of the league's top defense and posted 2 1/2 sacks in the regular season and another in the playoffs.

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