Former All-Pro linebacker Aldon Smith has died in the Bay Area at the age of 36, the San Francisco 49ers confirmed on Saturday. No cause of death has been officially released.
Smith, once regarded as one of the NFL’s most dominant young defenders, was selected seventh overall by the 49ers in the 2011 NFL Draft.
He made an immediate impact in his rookie season, recording 14 sacks and finishing second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
The following year, he reached the peak of his career with 19.5 sacks, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors and setting a franchise record for sacks in a single season.
During his six-season NFL career, Smith also played for the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys, finishing with brief but impactful stints after a long absence from the game.
However, his rapid rise was overshadowed by repeated off-field issues, including multiple arrests and suspensions related to substance abuse and legal troubles. These incidents led to lengthy breaks from football and significantly disrupted his career trajectory.
After a final return with the Cowboys in 2020, Smith attempted another comeback but was waived by the Seattle Seahawks in 2021 following further legal issues. He later announced his retirement in 2023, closing a career marked by both extraordinary talent and personal struggles.
The 49ers said they were “devastated” by his sudden passing and remembered him as a gifted player whose presence left a lasting impact on the team.
