Aldon Smith dies at 36 – former 49ers All-Pro LB had 'undeniable talent'
Aldon Smith, a record-setting former All-Pro pass rusher, has died.
The San Francisco 49ers, who selected Smith with the seventh overall selection of the 2011 NFL Draft, released a statement mourning his death on Saturday, June 13.
We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith," read the Niners' post shared on X.
"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."
Smith was just 36 years old.
After playing collegiately at Missouri - Smith was an All-Big 12 selection for the Tigers in 2010 - he started his NFL career with a bang, collecting 33 total sacks during his first two years, a league record for a player's first two seasons. After finishing second to Denver's Von Miller in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2011, Smith registered 19 sacks in 2012 - a San Francisco single-season franchise record - when the Niners also advanced to Super Bowl 47, which they lost 34-31 to the Baltimore Ravens in New Orleans. He had 5 sacks in one game that season against the Chicago Bears.
A 6-foot-5, 255-pounder with tremendous burst and bend off the edge, Smith's sole Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods came after that 2012 campaign, which turned out to be the apex of his career. That season, he formed one quarter of a tremendous 49ers linebacking corps that also included future Hall of Famer Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman, both All-Pros themselves, and Ahmad Brooks, who lined up outside opposite Smith.
San Francisco reached the playoffs in each of Smith's first three years in the NFL. He added 20 tackles and 5 sacks in eight postseason appearances.
Aldon Smith suspensionsThe 49ers mourn the passing of former LB Aldon Smith.
- San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) June 13, 2026
https://t.co/gVxEEdWtLppic.twitter.com/UfAJmyI5Rp
Substance abuse and legal issues quickly took a toll on Smith personally and professionally. He was suspended nine games in 2014 for substance abuse and personal conduct policy violations. San Francisco released him before the 2015 season after Smith's third DUI arrest.
"Aldon's one of the best football players I've ever been around, and I've been around some Hall of Famers, you know, in Baltimore," former Ravens and 49ers wideout Torrey Smith said after San Francisco parted with Smith in the summer of 2015. "His talent, no one can deny that. I just hope he gets everything together and maybe he gets another chance.
"We all have problems. Everyone might not know about our problems, but we all have something that we have to deal with and, unfortunately, he's handling his a little bit differently than you would think, or you would like to have happened. No one's perfect and I hope he gets all the help that he needs."
Smith quickly signed with the Oakland Raiders but was suspended for a year by the NFL midway through the 2015 campaign for another substance-abuse violation. He was not reinstated until 2020, which he spent with the Dallas Cowboys. Smith signed with the Seattle Seahawks in 2021 but was waived before the regular season after another arrest.
Aldon Smith cause of deathAbsolutely gutted. Beyond gutted to hear the news of the passing of my dude Aldon Smith.
- Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) June 14, 2026
Can't believe it. Mannn, just gutting.
I was so damn proud of the journey he and I took together to get him back into the league after being out of the NFL for 4 years. But also the...
No cause for Smith's death was announced.
Aldon Smith NFL statsSeasons: 6 (2011-15, 2020)
Games played: 75 (53 starts)
Tackles: 228 (172 solo)
Sacks: 52
- Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) June 14, 2026
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aldon Smith death announced by 49ers, former All-Pro pass rusher dead at 36