Aldon Smith died at the age of 36, the San Francisco 49ers said, and the team did not disclose a cause of death.
The 49ers in a statement called Smith an undeniable talent whose dominance on the field began immediately, and said his infectious smile lit up every room he walked into, as the organization offered condolences to his family and those who knew him.
Smith played six NFL seasons for the San Francisco 49ers, the Oakland Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys and helped the 49ers reach three consecutive NFC championship games, according to team statements and reports.
He burst onto the league with a rookie campaign that included 14 sacks and 27 quarterback hits, finishing second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, as reported. In his second season he recorded 19.5 sacks and 29 quarterback hits, setting a 49ers franchise mark for sacks in a single season and earning All‑Pro and Pro Bowl honors while helping the team to a Super Bowl appearance.
Smith became one of the fastest players to reach 30 career sacks in the NFL and posted 33.5 sacks across his first two seasons, as reported. He finished his time with the 49ers having played 50 games and totaling 44.0 sacks, a figure that stands among the franchise leaders.
Off Field Issues And Later Career
Smith's career was repeatedly interrupted by legal troubles and league discipline. He faced multiple arrests on suspicion of driving under the influence and was arrested on felony charges for possessing illegal assault weapons, as reported. The 49ers released him after an arrest that involved alleged DUI, hit‑and‑run and vandalism.
The NFL suspended Smith multiple times for violations of personal conduct and substance abuse policies, and he missed several seasons before returning to play a final NFL campaign with the Dallas Cowboys. In that season he recorded 5.0 sacks and recovered two fumbles for 78 return yards in 16 games, as reported.
After his playing days ended he worked as a rookie mentor for teams including the Las Vegas Raiders and the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to reports. The Raiders also released a statement on his passing.
