Former NFL Defensive End Aldon Smith Dies at 36
The cause of death has not been publicly identified. Smith's family has sent his brain to Boston University for examination to test for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other damage, and has retained civil rights attorneys Harry Daniels, Bakari Sellers, and Wayne Kendall to conduct an independent investigation into his death.
Circumstances of Death
According to reports, Smith was found unresponsive in a friend's truck. Prior to being discovered, Smith and a friend had been delivering pizzas to a homeless charity in Los Gatos, California. He was pronounced dead at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose approximately one hour later.
Recent Statements
In a YouTube interview posted approximately one week before his death on the series "Laced Up," hosted by barber Tee Maultsby, Smith stated that he was "struggling with accepting how it's playing out right now." He also said he had "had better days" and described working door-to-door sales while wearing an ankle monitor. In the same interview, Smith expressed gratitude, stating he was "in a place of gratitude" and that "things are starting to happen."
NFL Career
Smith was selected by the San Francisco 49ers as the seventh overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft from the University of Missouri. He played 75 regular-season games over six seasons (2011-2015, 2020) for the 49ers, Oakland Raiders, and Dallas Cowboys, finishing his career with 52.5 sacks.
- San Francisco 49ers (2011-2014): In his rookie season, Smith recorded 14 sacks, the second-most by a rookie since 1982, earning a spot on the NFL's all-rookie team. In 2012, he set a franchise record with 19.5 sacks, was named First-Team All-Pro, and selected to the Pro Bowl. He helped the 49ers reach three consecutive NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl appearance in the 2012 season.
- Oakland Raiders (2015): Smith played nine games for the Raiders.
- Dallas Cowboys (2020): He returned to the NFL, starting all 16 games and recording five sacks and 48 combined tackles.
- Seattle Seahawks (2021): Smith had a brief stint with the team but did not play any games.
Smith officially retired in 2023.
Off-Field Issues
Smith's career was impacted by multiple legal issues and suspensions.
- Arrests: Between 2012 and 2021, Smith was arrested multiple times, including four arrests for driving under the influence (DUI), and charges including possessing illegal weapons, hit-and-run, vandalism, and domestic violence.
- Suspensions: He was suspended in 2014 for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. In 2015, he received an indefinite suspension for substance abuse, causing him to miss the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
- Release: The 49ers released Smith in 2015 following a DUI arrest.
- Prison: In 2023, Smith served six months in prison for a felony DUI.
Responses
The San Francisco 49ers released a statement describing themselves as "devastated by the sudden and tragic passing" of Smith, noting his "undeniable talent and sheer dominance on the field" and stating he will be remembered for his "infectious smile."
The family's attorneys stated: "We understand that there is a great deal of interest in and speculation about Aldon Smith's passing and we intend to get to the bottom of it."
CTE Examination
Smith's family has taken steps to investigate the cause of death by sending his brain to the Boston University CTE Center and Brain Bank. CTE is a brain disease associated with repeated head trauma and has been linked to symptoms including impulsive behavior, aggression, emotional instability, and substance misuse.
Background
Smith was born in Greenwood, Mississippi, and attended high school in Raytown, Missouri. He played college football at the University of Missouri from 2008 to 2010, earning Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year and Second-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2009. He sustained a broken right leg and fractured fibula early in his redshirt sophomore season but opted to enter the NFL Draft after that year.