Aldon Smith dies: Former San Francisco 49ers defensive end dies aged 36
BBC • • general
Key Points:
- Former NFL defensive end Aldon Smith has died at age 36, confirmed by the San Francisco 49ers, though the cause of death has not been disclosed.
- Smith was the seventh overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft by the 49ers and played four seasons with the team, contributing to three NFC Championship Games.
- He was recognized for his outstanding rookie season, recording 14 sacks and earning NFL All-Rookie team honors, followed by a Pro Bowl selection and first-team All-Pro honors in 2012.
- Smith's career was marred by multiple off-field issues, including arrests for DUI, illegal weapons possession, and domestic violence, leading to suspensions and releases from several teams.
- After stints with the Raiders and Cowboys, and a brief time with the Seahawks, Smith retired from professional football in 2023.