Former All-Pro pass rusher Aldon Smith has passed away.
The San Francisco 49ers, who selected Smith with the seventh overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, released a statement on Saturday, June 13, mourning Smith’s death.
“We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,” a Niners statement said.
“Aldon’s undeniable talent and on-field dominance were on display from the moment he joined our organization, posting one of the greatest rookie seasons in National Football League history. Beyond his excellence as a player, Aldon will be remembered for his infectious smile that lit up every room he walked into. Our entire organization extends our deepest condolences to the Smith family and all who knew and loved Aldon.”
Smith was 36 years old.
Smith, who played at the University of Missouri (he was named All-Big 12 with the Tigers in 2010), started his NFL career with a bang, totaling 33 and a half sacks in his first two seasons, a league record for a player’s first two years. After finishing second to Von Miller in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2011, Smith set a San Francisco single-season franchise record with 19 and a half sacks as the Niners advanced to Super Bowl XLVII in 2012, losing 34-31 to the Baltimore Ravens.
At 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds with incredible explosiveness and bend off the edge, Smith earned his only Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors after the pinnacle of his career in 2012. That season, he formed one-quarter of the 49ers’ incredible linebacking corps, which also included Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman (both All-Pros) and Ahmad Brooks, who lined up opposite Smith.
San Francisco made the playoffs in each of Smith’s first three years in the NFL. He played in eight postseason games and added 20 tackles and five and a half sacks.
aldon smith suspension
Substance abuse and legal problems soon took a toll on Smith personally and professionally. He was suspended for nine games in 2014 for substance abuse and personal conduct policy violations. After Smith was arrested for his third DUI, San Francisco released him before the 2015 season.
After San Francisco parted ways with Smith in the summer of 2015, former Ravens and 49ers wideout Torrey Smith said, “Aldon was one of the best football players I’ve ever been around, and we had some Hall of Fame players in Baltimore.” “His talent, no one can deny that. I just hope he can put everything together and maybe get another chance.”
“We all have problems. None of us may know our problems, but we all have something we have to deal with. And unfortunately, he’s handling himself a little bit differently than you think or want him to be. Nobody’s perfect, so I hope he gets all the help he needs.”
Smith quickly signed with the Oakland Raiders, but midway through the 2015 campaign, he received a one-year suspension from the NFL for another substance abuse violation. He did not return until 2020, spending time with the Dallas Cowboys. Smith signed with the Seattle Seahawks in 2021, but was released before the regular season after being arrested again.
aldon smith cause of death
Smith’s cause of death has not been announced.
Aldon Smith NFL Career Statistics
season: 6 (2011-15, 2020)
Games played: 75 (starting 53 games)
Tackle: 228 (solo 172)
Sack: 52 1/2
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