Former Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith died on Saturday morning at the age of 36. The San Francisco 49ers, with whom Smith had his best years in the NFL, put out a statement Saturday evening.
The 49ers mourn the passing of former LB Aldon Smith.
📰 https://t.co/gVxEEdWtLp pic.twitter.com/UfAJmyI5Rp
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) June 13, 2026
Smith signed with Missouri in the Class of 2008 out of Raytown High School. He was an unheralded recruit, but immediately flashed in practices prior to his true freshman season. Due to complications with his NCAA eligibility, Smith redshirted during the 2008 season.
He didn't take long to make his presence felt once he got on the field. In 23 games in the 2009 and 2010 seasons, Smith made 79 tackles, including 23 for a loss and 14.5 sacks. He had 11.5 sacks as a redshirt freshman during the 2009 season.
Smith entered the NFL Draft after just three seasons at Missouri and was the seventh overall pick by the 49ers in 2011. He went three spots ahead of Missouri teammate Blaine Gabbert, marking the only time in school history two players were drafted in the top ten.
Smith finished 2nd in the NFL defensive rookie of the year voting in 2012. He did not start for San Francisco, but appeared in all 16 games. He had 14 sacks and 27 quarterback hits. The next season he was even better. In 2012, Smith made 66 tackles, had 19.5 sacks, forced three fumbles, had an interception and was a first-team all-pro in just his second season.
For the rest of his career, Smith would battle substance abuse and legal issues. He played two more years in San Francisco and one in Oakland, but never appeared in more than 11 games. Smith's first arrest came in September of 2013 for suspicion of DUI. That lead to a five-game absence during which he checked himself into rehab.
Over the next two years, Smith was in and out of trouble while trying to keep his NFL career going. He was suspended for nine games in 2014, released by the 49ers in August of 2015, signed with the Raiders and had 3.5 sacks in nine games. On November 17th, he was suspended for a year by the NFL. That suspension eventually became "indefinite." It lasted four years.
Smith made a comeback with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020. After four years away from the league, he appeared in all 16 games. He had 48 tackles, five sacks and two fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a touchdown. It was the last year he would play in the NFL.
Smith ended his career with 52.5 sacks in just 75 games over six seasons. His 11.5 sacks as a redshirt freshman is second on the all-time school list. He still ranks in the top ten in career sacks at Mizzou despite playing less than two full seasons.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.