Oct. 15 (Bloomberg) -- Former San Diego Chargers defensive lineman Chris Mims was found dead at the age of 38.

Los Angeles Police Department Officer Kate Lopez confirmed the death, declining to provide additional information in a telephone interview.

Mims was discovered this morning in his apartment by officers conducting a welfare check, the Associated Press reported. Police said there didn't appear to be any evidence of foul play, AP said.

The Los Angeles County Coroner's office declined to comment to AP because Mims's family had not yet been notified. A telephone message left by Bloomberg News for the coroner wasn't immediately returned.

``I don't think I ever saw Chris without a smile on his face,'' Chargers spokesman Bill Johnston said in an e-mail. ``He was always smiling and laughing. Thirty-eight. So young. It's just not right.''

Christopher Eddie Mims was born Sept. 29, 1970, and played college football at the University of Tennessee before being drafted by San Diego with the 23rd pick of the 1992 National Football League draft.

He played five seasons for the Chargers before a one-year stint in Washington. Mims then returned to San Diego for two seasons before retiring in 2000. He ended his career with 192 tackles, 42 sacks and 10 forced fumbles.

To contact the reporter on this story: Mason Levinson in New York at mlevinson@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: October 15, 2008 20:11 EDT