Aldon Smith, former All-Pro LB for San Francisco 49ers, dies at 36
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Aldon Smith, a former All-Pro linebacker who played a key role in leading the San Francisco 49ers to three consecutive NFC Championship Games, has died at the age of 36; the cause of death was not disclosed.
- Drafted seventh overall in 2011, Smith had a standout rookie season with 14 sacks and set a franchise record with 19.5 sacks in his second year, earning First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.
- Smith's career was impacted by multiple off-field issues, including several arrests and NFL suspensions related to substance abuse and legal troubles, which ultimately derailed his promising trajectory.
- After being released by the 49ers in 2015, Smith played briefly for the Oakland Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys, with his final NFL season in 2020 before not being re-signed.
- Despite his challenges, Smith remained connected to the 49ers, recently visiting the team’s practice facility to speak with rookies shortly before his passing.