Aldon Smith, former All-Pro San Francisco 49ers linebacker, dies at 36

Former All-Pro San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith has died at the age of 36, the team said on Saturday. 

“Beyond his excellence as a player, Aldon will be remembered for his infectious smile that lit up every room he walked into,” the team said. 

No cause of death was immediately given.   

After playing his college football at the University of Missouri, Smith was taken seventh overall by the 49ers in the 2011 NFL Draft and played in 50 games and eight postseason games for the team. 

In his rookie season, he collected a team-high 14 sacks, the second most by a rookie in a season in NFL history. In 2012, he was a First Team All-Pro selection when he collected 19.5 sacks, a franchise record. That season he started for the 49ers when they played against the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII.

“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,” the team said.

Smith’s tenure in the NFL was troubled. He was suspended multiple times during his career for infractions including violating the league’s substance abuse and personal conduct policy. He was released by the 49ers following the 2014-2015 season and signed with the Oakland Raiders. 

Smith appeared in games for the Raiders in 2015. He then remained out of the NFL for four straight seasons due to suspension, and did not return until 2020, when he signed with the Dallas Cowboys. He played a full season with the Cowboys, his last in the NFL.