Aldon Smith played four of his six NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images
June 13, 2026 Updated 8:10 pm EDT
Former All-Pro linebacker Aldon Smith has died, the San Francisco 49ers announced Saturday. He was 36 years old. The team did not reveal a cause of death.
Drafted seventh overall in 2011, Smith had one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history for an edge rusher, as his 14.0 sacks were just a half-sack behind the rookie record of 14.5 sacks set by the Tennessee Titans’ Jevon Kearse in 1999. He recorded a then-franchise record 19.5 sacks a year later as a First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection, and had 152 tackles and 44.0 sacks in 50 games for the 49ers over four seasons.
“We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,” the 49ers’ statement read. “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’s career was marked by off-the-field issues, as he was arrested five times between 2012 and 2021 for driving under the influence and was suspended for four consecutive seasons between 2016 and 2019. He played one season for the then-Oakland Raiders in 2015 before being suspended, and he finished his career with one final season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020. In 2023, Smith served six months in prison after he pled guilty to felony DUI.
This story will be updated.
Jun 14, 2026
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