Aldon Smith said he was 'struggling' in recent interview before death
USA Today • • sports
Key Points:
- Aldon Smith, a former All-Pro NFL pass rusher, expressed in a YouTube interview days before his death that he was struggling to accept parts of his life but remained grateful despite having "better days."
- Smith, who passed away at 36 on June 13, had a turbulent NFL career marked by off-the-field legal issues and substance-abuse violations, leading to a nearly five-year hiatus and an unceremonious end with the Seattle Seahawks in 2021.
- After his NFL career ended, Smith worked for a roofing company and faced challenges adjusting to life outside of football, missing the camaraderie of the locker room and dealing with financial and personal hardships.
- The exact cause of Smith's death has not been disclosed, and he was found unresponsive in his car in Los Gatos, California.
- Throughout the interview, Smith reflected honestly on his struggles and transition away from professional football, emphasizing his gratitude and hope despite the difficulties.
