Former All-Pro pass rusher Aldon Smith has died.
The San Francisco 49ers, who selected Smith seventh overall in the 2011 NFL draft, released a statement mourning his death on Saturday, June 13.
“We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,” read the Niners’ statement.
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“Aldon’s undeniable talent and sheer dominance on the field were on display from the moment he joined our organization, having recorded one of the best rookie seasons the National Football League has seen. 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 sends its deepest condolences to the Smith family and all who knew and loved Aldon.”
Smith was 36 years old.
Smith, who played collegiately at Missouri − he was an All-Big 12 selection for the Tigers in 2010 − started his NFL career with a bang, collecting 33½ total sacks during his first two seasons, a league record through a player’s first two years. After finishing second to Von Miller in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2011, Smith registered 19½ sacks in 2012 − a San Francisco single-season franchise record − when the Niners also advanced to Super Bowl 47, which they lost 34-31 to the Baltimore Ravens.
A 6-foot-5, 255-pounder with tremendous burst and bend off the edge, Smith’s sole Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods came after the 2012 campaign, which turned out to be the apex of his career. That season, he formed one quarter of a tremendous 49ers linebacking corps that also included Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman, both All-Pros themselves, and Ahmad Brooks, who lined up outside opposite Smith.
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San Francisco reached the playoffs in each of Smith’s first three years in the NFL. He added 20 tackles and 5½ sacks in eight postseason appearances.
Aldon Smith suspensions
Substance abuse and legal issues quickly took a toll on Smith personally and professionally. He was suspended nine games in 2014 for substance abuse and personal conduct policy violations. San Francisco released him before the 2015 season after Smith’s third DUI arrest.
“Aldon’s one of the best football players I’ve ever been around, and I’ve been around some Hall of Famers, you know, in Baltimore,” former Ravens and 49ers wideout Torrey Smith said after San Francisco parted with Smith in the summer of 2015. “His talent, no one can deny that. I just hope he gets everything together and maybe he gets another chance.
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“We all have problems. Everyone might not know about our problems, but we all have something that we have to deal with and, unfortunately, he’s handling his a little bit differently than you would think, or you would like to have happened. No one’s perfect and I hope he gets all the help that he needs.”
Smith quickly signed with the Oakland Raiders but was suspended for a year by the NFL midway through the 2015 campaign for another substance-abuse violation. He was not reinstated until 2020, which he spent with the Dallas Cowboys. Smith signed with the Seattle Seahawks in 2021 but was waived before the regular season after another arrest.
Aldon Smith cause of death
No cause for Smith’s death was announced.
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Aldon Smith NFL career stats
Seasons: 6 (2011-15, 2020)
Games played: 75 (53 starts)
Tackles: 228 (172 solo)
Sacks: 52½
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aldon Smith death announced by 49ers, former All-Pro pass rusher dead at 36
