Aldon Smithformer quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, has died. He was 36 years old.
The 49ers released an official statement on Saturday, June 13, to confirm the news.
“We are saddened by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,” the statement read. “Aldon’s undeniable talent and dominance on the field was evident from the moment he joined our organization, recording one of the best rookie seasons the National Football League has seen.”
The organization continued, “In addition to his greatness as a player, Aldon will be remembered for his infectious smile that lit up every room he walked into. Our entire organization extends our condolences to the Smith family and all who knew and loved Aldon.”
The official cause of death has not been released.
Shocked fans responded to the news by sharing their grief over the sudden death of the sports star.
“Damn rip I was just watching his highlights a few weeks ago, mah,” one X user wrote, while another added, “36 is too young!! Rest Aldon.”
Another wrote, “So sad, so sad. He was an amazing player.”
Smith was selected by the 49ers with the number 7 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and quickly established himself as one of the most feared running backs in football. In his first two seasons in the league, he recorded 33.5 sacks in 32 regular season games.
Aldon Smith.
(Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)His breakout rookie campaign earned him second place in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2011. The following season, Smith was named a first-team All-Pro and earned a Pro Bowl selection after helping lead San Francisco to one of the NFL’s top defenses.
Smith also started in Super Bowl XLVII, when the 49ers faced the Baltimore Ravens in February 2013.
Despite his success on the field, Smith’s NFL career was marred by a series of off-field issues. In 2014, he was suspended nine games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
The 49ers released Smith in August 2015 following a DUI arrest. He later signed with the Oakland Raiders and appeared in nine games during the 2015 season, making seven starts.
After Week 10 of that campaign, Smith was suspended indefinitely by the NFL. His suspension sidelined him for the entire 2016 and 2017 seasons.
Smith’s career was also marred by numerous off-field issues, including a 2018 arrest on a domestic violence charge that led to his release from the Raiders.
He returned to the NFL with the Cowboys in 2020, starting all 16 games and recording 5.0 sacks. Smith later signed with the Seahawks through the 2021 season but was released before the start of the regular season.
