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Aldon Smith's Sudden Passing Leaves NFL Fans in Shock

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Aldon Smith, an All-Pro linebacker who played six seasons in the NFL, died Saturday, the 49ers announced.

He was 36.

No cause of death was provided.

“We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,” the 49ers 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.”

Aldon Smith of the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL game between the Niners and the Washington Redskins at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA.
Aldon Smith of the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL game between the Niners and the Washington Redskins at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) is hit by San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) during the first half of a NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) is hit by San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) during the first half of a NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty

Smith, the No. 7 overall draft pick out of Missouri, was one of the top defenders in the NFL, finishing second in the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2011 and becoming an All-Pro a year later.

In his first two seasons, he recorded 33.5 sacks and 103 tackles to become one of the most feared edge rushers in the NFL.

He was, however, suspended multiple times for off-field issues and arrests, first getting banned for nine games in 2014 for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Before the 2015 season, he was released by San Francisco after multiple DUI arrests.

He joined the Raiders in 2015, but he was suspended for four straight seasons from 2016 to 2019.

Smith made a return in 2020, playing 16 games for the Cowboys.