Former NFL defensive end Aldon Smith, a dominant early-career pass rusher, has died at 36. The 49ers said they are devastated by his sudden and tragic passing, recalling a standout rookie season and memorable on-field dominance.
Aldon Smith was 36.
The former NFL defensive end. once a feared presence off the edge. has died. and the San Francisco 49ers did not wait to address the loss. “We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,” the team 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.”.
Smith arrived in the NFL as the seventh overall selection in 2011, and his early production matched the hype. He recorded 33.5 sacks in his first 32 regular-season games, finishing second for the defensive rookie of the year award in 2011. In 2012, he earned first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors, then started Super Bowl XLVII with the 49ers.
His career later shifted away from the trajectory that made him a standout. In 2014, he served a nine-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. After a DUI arrest in August 2015, the 49ers released him. That same season. he appeared in nine games with seven starts for the Raiders. before being suspended indefinitely by the league after Week 10 of the 2015 campaign. He missed all of the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
When his path returned, it came with fresh stops. The Raiders released him in 2018 after an arrest for domestic violence. Smith joined the Cowboys in 2020, starting all 16 games and finishing with 5.0 sacks. The Seahawks signed him during the 2021 offseason, and he was released in August.
The 49ers’ statement closed with a final message of grief and remembrance: “We extend our condolences to Smith’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches.”
Aldon Smith 49ers NFL defensive end passes rusher death at 36 Super Bowl XLVII Raiders Cowboys Seahawks
Man 36 is way too young.
I remember when he was like the scariest edge rusher and then everything went downhill. Substance abuse policy and DUI and all that… not sure if that even matters to his death but it’s all anyone talks about. R.I.P. though.
Wait so the 49ers “did not wait” like… did they already know something? Or is that just wording? I saw Seahawks in there too like he bounced around a lot. Either way, terrible for his family. Also doesn’t say how he died which feels weird to me.
Crazy how he went from Super Bowl XLVII starter to getting released everywhere. I feel like the NFL never helps guys and then acts shocked when stuff happens. Like yeah he had suspensions and arrests but still, 49ers saying infectious smile like that fixes anything. Hopefully his people are getting support, cause the league sure doesn’t.