Former NFL star Aldon Smith, a former All-Pro linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers, has died at the age of 36. The 49ers announced the news on Saturday, expressing devastation over the sudden loss. No cause of death was immediately disclosed.
Smith, drafted seventh overall by the 49ers in 2011, quickly established himself as one of the league's most dominant defensive players. In his rookie season, he recorded 14 sacks, the second-most by a rookie in NFL history. The following year, he set a franchise record with 19.5 sacks, earning First-Team All-Pro honors and helping the 49ers reach Super Bowl XLVII. He became the fastest player in NFL history to reach 30 career sacks, surpassing Hall of Famer Reggie White.
However, Smith's career was marred by off-field issues. He faced multiple suspensions, including a nine-game ban in 2014 for violating the league's substance abuse policy. After a DUI arrest in 2015, the 49ers released him. He later played for the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys but struggled with consistency and further legal troubles, including a domestic violence arrest in 2018. His final NFL season came in 2020 with the Cowboys, where he recorded five sacks.
The 49ers remembered Smith for his talent and charisma, describing him as a player whose 'infectious smile lit up every room.' His death has drawn condolences from across the NFL, with many reflecting on his impact both on and off the field.