Aldon Smith dies at 36 – former 49ers All-Pro LB had 'undeniable talent'
USA Today • • general
Key Points:
- Aldon Smith, former All-Pro pass rusher and 2011 NFL Draft seventh overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers, has died at age 36, with no cause of death announced.
- Smith set an NFL record with 33½ sacks in his first two seasons and recorded a franchise single-season high of 19½ sacks in 2012, helping the 49ers reach Super Bowl 47.
- Despite his early success, Smith's career was marred by multiple suspensions related to substance abuse and legal issues, leading to his release from the 49ers in 2015 and a year-long NFL suspension.
- After a five-year absence, Smith briefly returned to the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020 but was waived by the Seattle Seahawks in 2021 following another arrest.
- The 49ers and former teammates mourned Smith's passing, highlighting both his remarkable talent on the field and his charismatic personality off it.