Aldon Smith's death at age 36 stunned the NFL, prompting an emotional statement from the San Francisco 49ers after the team selected the pass rusher in the 2011 Draft
19:42 ET, 13 Jun 2026Updated 19:58 ET, 13 Jun 2026
Aldon Smith has died at the age of 36
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Aldon Smith has died at the age of 36(Image: Getty)
Former San Francisco 49ers star Aldon Smith has died at the age of 36.
The 49ers confirmed the news on Saturday morning, releasing a statement mourning the sudden loss of one of the most talented pass rushers in the NFL franchise's history. Additional details regarding Smith’s death have not yet been publicly released.
“We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,” the organization 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." It comes after [Cardinals' Josh Mauro died from an accidental drug overdose this year](http://Josh Mauro died from an accidental drug overdose).
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“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 statement read.
Few players made a bigger impact during their first years in the NFL than Smith. Selected seventh overall by the 49ers in the 2011 NFL Draft out of Missouri, the linebacker quickly emerged as one of football’s most feared edge rushers.
He recorded 14 sacks as a rookie and followed that performance with a remarkable 19.5-sack campaign in 2012, helping establish San Francisco as one of the league’s premier defenses.
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During his time with the 49ers, Smith helped the franchise reach three consecutive NFC Championship Games and played a key role in the team’s run to Super Bowl XLVII following the 2012 season.
His combination of speed, power and explosiveness made him one of the NFL’s most disruptive defenders during the early stages of his career.
Smith helped establish San Francisco as one of the league’s premier defenses
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Smith helped establish San Francisco as one of the league’s premier defenses(Image: Getty)
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