Former 49ers All-Pro Aldon Smith dies at 36

Aldon Smith, the former San Francisco 49ers pass rusher whose early NFL dominance made him one of the league’s most feared defenders before suspensions and arrests interrupted his career, has died at 36, the team said Saturday.

The 49ers did not disclose a cause of death.

“We are devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of Aldon Smith,” the team said in a statement. “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. 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.”

Smith played six NFL seasons with the 49ers, Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys. San Francisco selected him seventh overall in the 2011 NFL Draft after his college career at the University of Missouri, and he quickly became a central part of a defense that helped the 49ers reach three consecutive NFC championship games.

As a rookie, Smith recorded a team-high 14 sacks, the second-most by a rookie in a season in NFL history. The Guardian reported he also had 27 quarterback hits and finished second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.

His best season came in 2012, when he recorded 19.5 sacks, still a 49ers franchise record, along with 29 quarterback hits, according to The Guardian. Smith earned First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors that year and started for San Francisco in Super Bowl XLVII against the Baltimore Ravens.

Smith appeared in 50 regular-season games and eight postseason games for the 49ers. His production made him one of the NFL’s standout young defensive players, but his time in the league was also marked by off-field issues.

He was suspended multiple times by the NFL for violations of the league’s personal conduct and substance abuse policies. The Guardian reported that Smith had multiple arrests on suspicion of driving under the influence and was arrested in 2013 on felony charges of possessing illegal assault weapons. He was released by the 49ers in 2015 after an arrest for DUI, hit-and-run and vandalism, The Guardian reported.

After leaving San Francisco, Smith signed with the Oakland Raiders and appeared in games for the team in 2015. He then remained out of the NFL for four straight seasons because of suspension.

Smith returned in 2020 with the Dallas Cowboys and played a full season, his final year in the NFL. The Guardian reported that he formally announced his retirement in 2023.

The 49ers remembered Smith both for his impact on the field and for the impression he made within the organization, saying his “infectious smile” would be part of his legacy.