Aldon Smith Dead: Former San Francisco 49ers Defensive End Dies at 36

Former NFL defensive end Aldon Smith has died at age 36.

The San Francisco 49ers, who selected Smith with the seventh pick in the 2011 draft, confirmed his death, but did not release the cause.

Smith spent four seasons with the 49ers, helping them to three NFC Championship Games, and a season with the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys.

He played 75 regular-season games in his career and retired in 2023.

“We are devastated by the sudden and tragic death of Aldon Smith,” read a statement from the 49ers.

“Aldon’s undeniable talent and absolute dominance on the field was on display from the moment he joined our organization, recording one of the best rookie seasons the National Football League has ever seen.

“Beyond his excellence as a player, Aldon will be remembered for his contagious smile that lit up every room he had.”

Smith was named to the NFL’s All-Rookie Team in 2011 after recording the second-most sacks (14) by a rookie in a single season since 1982.

The following season he was selected to the Pro Bowl and earned first-team All-Pro honors.

However, his career was marred by off-field issues, with multiple arrests on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), illegal weapons possession and domestic violence.

Smith was fired in 2014 after violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy before being released by the 49ers in 2015 following a DUI arrest.

Joining the Raiders later that year, he made just nine appearances before receiving an indefinite suspension for substance abuse.

He missed the 2016 and 2017 campaigns and was released by the Raiders in 2018.

Smith returned to the NFL in 2020 with the Cowboys – he made 16 starts – and had a fourth month stint with the Seattle Seahawks in 2021 without an appearance.