Aldon Smith, a former first-team All-Pro defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2010s, has died, the 49ers announced in a Saturday news release. Smith was 36 years old.
Selected by the 49ers at No. 7 overall in the 2011 draft, the University of Missouri alumnus quickly emerged as a premier NFL pass rusher with 14 sacks as Rookie of the Year runner-up. Smith then posted 19.5 sacks in his second season, earning first-team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl nod. He appeared on track for stardom.
Injuries derailed his next three seasons (two with the 49ers and one with the Oakland Raiders) before multiple suspensions for violations of the league’s substance abuse and personal conduct policies kept him effectively out of action from 2016-19. He recorded five sacks during his final NFL season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020.
“We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,” the 49ers said in a statement. “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.”
The cause of death was not immediately known.