Aldon Smith dies: Former San Francisco 49ers defensive end dies aged 36

Former NFL defensive end Aldon Smith has died at the age of 36.

The San Francisco 49ers, who selected Smith as the seventh pick of the 2011 Draft, confirmed his death, but the cause has not been revealed.

Smith spent four seasons with the 49ers, helping them to three NFC Championship Games, and a season apiece with the Oakland Raiders and the Dallas Cowboys.

He played 75 regular-season games in his career and retired in 2023.

“We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,” read a 49ers statement.

“Aldon’s undeniable talent and sheer dominance on the field were on display from the moment he joined our organisation, 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.”

Smith was named in the NFL’s all-rookie team in 2011 after registering the second-most sacks (14) by a rookie in a single season since 1982.

The following season he was selected for the Pro Bowl and earned first-team All-Pro honours.

However, his career was disrupted by off-field issues, with multiple arrests on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), possessing illegal weapons, and domestic violence.

Smith was suspended in 2014 after violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy before being released by the 49ers in 2015 following a DUI arrest.

Joining the Raiders later that year, he made only nine appearances before receiving an indefinite suspension for substance abuse.

He missed the 2016 and 2017 campaigns and was released by the Raiders in 2018.

Smith returned to the NFL with the Cowboys in 2020 – he made 16 starts – and had a fourth-month stint with the Seattle Seahawks in 2021 without making an appearance.