Retired NFL defensive star Aldon Smith passed away at just 36 years old, on June 13 in San Jose, California. Officials have yet to release a statement disclosing the cause of his death.

The San Francisco 49ers, who drafted Smith in 2011,The team released a statement mourning the loss.

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

As the team who drafted the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year to its roster, San Francisco has a connection with Smith. The team's post highlighted Smith's loss as a friend and teammate, not just as a fantastic player.

"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,” the 49ers' post stated. 

Smith was widely considered a standout talent and a defensive threat to reckon with. But he became embroiled in several run-ins with the law as well as NFL suspensions, which interrupted his professional career.

The defensive player had announced his retirement in 2023 after six seasons in the league. Smith had played with three teams over the course of his career: the 49ers, the Raiders, and the Cowboys. His performance on the field rivaled that of the some of the best in the league.

Revisiting Aldon Smith’s Achievements In His Football Career

Aldon Smith made a name for himself early on, from his days at the University of Missouri. In his freshman year in 2009, Smith won the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year Award, recording 19 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks.

Smith was drafted by the 49ers in the 2011 NFL Draft as the seventh overall pick. His explosive talent was remarkable to witness, and led him to break several franchise records.

By 2012, he was considered a premier defensive end, winning first-team All-Pro. He was also selected for the Pro Bowl in the same year.

He also recorded 33.5 sacks within his first two seasons in the NFL, the most out of any player in the league. Smith helped carry the 49ers to three consecutive NFC title games as well as a Super Bowl appearance. 

After being released by the 49ers, Smith played nine games for the Oakland Raiders in 2015. He returned after a five-year long hiatus in 2020 with the Dallas Cowboys. He started all 16 games and recorded 5 sacks.

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Written by

Arundhoti Palit

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit