Former San Francisco 49ers defensive end Aldon Smith of Greenwood, Mississippi passed away on Saturday at the age of 36 according to Nick Brinkerhoff of USA Today. The cause of death is under investigation. At the time of Smith’s death, Smith and a friend had been delivering pizza in San Jose, California, for a charity for homeless people.
Smith played six seasons in the National Football League. He was with the 49ers for four seasons from 2011 to 2014, the Oakland Raiders for one season in 2015, and the Dallas Cowboys for one season in 2020. On April 15, 2021, Smith signed with the Seattle Seahawks, but he was released by Seattle before playing a game.
Throughout Smith’s career he ran into legal trouble, which was the reason why he was suspended by the NFL from 2016 to 2019. Smith was initially suspended after being charged for a hit and run incident according to Conor Orr of nfl.com. He was then suspended for two years because of an alleged domestic violence incident.
In 75 NFL games, Smith had 228 tackles (172 solo tackles and 56 assisted tackles), 56 tackles for a loss, 103 quarterback hits, one safety, one interception for six yards, 10 pass deflections, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries for 78 yards, one fumble return for a touchdown, and 52.5 sacks. Smith’s safety came in a 25-19 49ers win over the Detroit Lions on October 16, 2011. Smith’s interception came in a 41-34 49ers win over the New England Patriots on December 16, 2012. Smith’s fumble return for a touchdown of 78 yards came in a 30-7 Cowboys win over the Cincinnati Bengals on December 13, 2020.
Smith was the 49ers’s first round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2012.
