49ers News: One of the most talented players to ever wear red and gold

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 19: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers fumbles the ball after being sacked by Aldon Smith #99 and Justin Smith #94 of the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on December 19, 2011 in San Francisco, California. Smith recovered the fumble for the 49ers. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Inside Aldon Smith's final hours: Ex-49er's friend tried to revive him in truck (paywall)
On Saturday, Shirazi picked up Smith and the pair delivered 10 Little Caesars pizzas to Scott Wagers, the co-founder of CHAM Deliverance Ministry, a local charity that feeds the homeless. Wagers, who had never met Smith, had no idea the former NFL star would be there and was excited. Smith wore a throwback New York Knicks jersey (Willis Reed's No. 19), blue shorts and a pair of Air Jordan shoes, posing for a few photos for Wagers."

Aldon Smith, late 49ers All-Pro, spent final hours delivering pizza to charity (paywall)
He also did a recent interview on YouTube with Tee Maultsby, a barber who interviews current and former NFL players. While Smith had his hair cut, he detailed what his life looked like after his playing career ended following one season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020.

Smith, who declared for the NFL Draft after playing two seasons in three years at Missouri, said he began the process of finishing his schooling after he retired. He continued working out with other athletes, but said it didn't lift his spirits much.

I found myself being just negative," Smith said in the video. People were trying to get back in the league, and here I was done with it and just unsure of what I wanted to do with the rest of my life."

Smith said he briefly worked selling roofing packages, which he called a humbling experience, and said it didn't last long.....Reflecting on his playing days in the interview with Maultsby, Smith expressed regret over how it ended.

My career didn't have the ending that I think it maybe should have," Smith said. I wasn't proud of how things ended."

Those who were with him in his final hour felt the positivity permeating from the once fearsome edge rusher.

I felt like he was completely genuine and wanted to help," Wagers said. And an hour later, he's dead. I can't believe what happened here. I can't believe that."